Species Iris, Douglas Iris, Mountain Iris, Pacific Coast Iris

This is a Pacific coast native. But it has made it a whole year in E TX. Blooms are variable.

About Douglas Iris (Iris do...Read Moreuglasiana)
The Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana) is a common and attractive wildflower of the coastal regions of Northern and Central California and Southern Oregon, with scattered locations inland. The Douglas Iris grows mainly at lower elevations, below 330 feet, though it is occasionally found at heights of up to 3,300 feet.

It is most common in grasslands near the coast; it is regarded as a noxious weed in pastures, because it forms clumps that inhibit other vegetation, and its leaves are bitter and unpalatable to cattle.

Douglas Iris prefers part or full shade and richer soils and is fast growing near the coast. If not planted next to a creek or in a naturally wet area, it likes summer water every 2 to 4 weeks. It is more drought tolerant near the coast where it benefits from cooler temperatures and fog. The flowers can be highly variable in color, and many cultivars are available.

Striking color of Pacific Coast Iris - check my photos. Apparently, this is an unregistered color, or the vendors did not know the name. ...Read MoreInformation about this plant growing here in Mar Vista (Coastal So Cal): it is an early bloomer - mine bloomed in March and April.

Some years ago, I grew a number of irises from a packet of mixed iris seed. Although some of them turned out to be from the iris family r...Read Moreather than the genus, this was the first actual iris to bloom and, given my general ineptitude, I pronounce them 'easy to grow'!!!
(And nice looking too...)

This beautiful little iris that is native to our area is cream colored or lavender in the wild. It has been very successfully hybridized ...Read Moreto produce stunning flowers in the spring on plants that reach about a foot and a half. It takes little or no water during our dry summers, although it looks raggedy if allowed to go all summer without a drink. It prefers some shade during midday and multiplies over time into a sizable clump that can be divided in the fall.

The deep mahogany and creamy coral-gold cultivar that I have looks particularly stunning with another native, sticky monkey flower (Diplacus aurantiacus) which blooms at the same time and echoes the creamy coral in its smaller contrasting flower form.