Irises in Southeast US Zone 9 and 10

Hello all; Even though I live in Zone 6 I am very interested in researching bearded irises that grow well in southeast US Zones 9 and 10. The arc from the Atlantic to Texas, a hot & humid climate. It's well established they do well in the western US Zones 9 & 10 but those climates are very different.

Most irisarians seem pessimistic but surely there are at least some cultivars that fare well in Z9a if not Z9b. So if you are in those zones and grow any or know gardeners that do please let me know. There is a study published in the early 1940's where a couple hundred cultivars did perfectly well in College Park, TX. That is Zone 8b but if some can grow there then it can be expected at least some would do OK in Z9a. Let's bust the myth! :)
Thanks, Shaub