Plant Library

A Pacific Coast native iris with evergreen foliage forming substantial clumps. Flowers range from cream through lavender to deep purple, often with intricate veining. Spreads gradually by rhizomes. Native to coastal California and southern Oregon grasslands and woodland edges.

More drought-tolerant than bearded iris once established. The evergreen leaves provide year-round structure. Variable flower colours add diversity to plantings. Best moved immediately after flowering for establishment. Suitable for naturalistic plantings and native gardens. Thrives in well-drained soil with some summer moisture.

A compact selection of Douglas iris, a Pacific Coast native. Features the characteristic narrow evergreen foliage and variable flower colours from purple through blue. More diminutive than typical douglasiana. A Free Spirit Nursery selection.

Native to coastal California and Oregon. Prefers well-drained soil with some summer moisture. Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. The dwarf habit suits rock gardens and front-of-border positions. More drought-tolerant than bearded iris once established. Best moved immediately after flowering.

A beardless iris from China with narrow foliage and delicate flowers. Forms slowly spreading clumps by rhizomes. The flowers feature intricate veining patterns typical of Pacific Coast iris relatives. Prefers woodland edge conditions with some moisture.

Thrives in part shade to shade with humus-rich soil. Native to Chinese mountain forests suggesting preference for cooler conditions. The delicate flowers and narrow foliage suit naturalistic woodland plantings. Less commonly grown than other iris groups but garden-worthy for appropriate sites.

A clone of Chinese roof iris forming clumps of lush arching wide-bladed dark green foliage. Large lavender blossoms appear in mid-spring. The foliage remains effective through summer and shows fair slug resistance. Introduced from Lost Horizons nursery in Ontario.

Thrives in sun or part shade with regular garden soil. The substantial foliage creates bold texture in borders. The large flowers provide strong spring colour. Considering the vast array of iris available, this selection has proven particularly garden-worthy. The wide leaves distinguish it from typical bearded types.

A Pacific Coast native iris with narrow evergreen foliage forming clumps. Flowers range from deep purple to blue to occasionally cream, often with intricate veining. Spreads gradually by rhizomes. More drought-tolerant than bearded iris once established.

Native to Oregon and Washington in open woods and meadows. Prefers well-drained soil with some summer moisture. The evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. Best moved immediately after flowering. Suitable for naturalistic plantings and native gardens. The variable flower colours add interest to mixed plantings.