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Great Design Plant: Pacific Coast Iris
Plant this West Coast native for stunning, intricate blooms from January through May
For Seattle landscape designer Gregory Smaus, appreciation for the Pacific Coast iris began while hiking in California's Santa Cruz Mountains. "I was astounded that these large specimen flowers were part of the native flora," he writes. Now it inspires his own garden. "The Irises are planted in mass per variety; they can be noticed from afar and give a reason to walk down the path for a closer inspection."
Pacific Coast iris, native to the woodlands and coastal bluffs of the west coast of the United States, is a resilient plant with delicate, long-lasting blooms that appear in January and last through May. If your climate boasts warm, dry summers and wet, temperate winters, it can add a wave of color to your garden's understory, and bring welcome color to your mid-winter garden.
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Pacific Coast iris, native to the woodlands and coastal bluffs of the west coast of the United States, is a resilient plant with delicate, long-lasting blooms that appear in January and last through May. If your climate boasts warm, dry summers and wet, temperate winters, it can add a wave of color to your garden's understory, and bring welcome color to your mid-winter garden.
Browse landscape designs | More great design plants
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| Botanical name: Iris 'Pacific Coast' Common names: Pacific Coast Iris (PCI), Pacificas USDA zones: 7-10 (Check out the new interactive USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map) Water requirement: Moderate to none in summer Sun requirement: Full sun to light shade Mature size: 6-24" tall Tolerances: Summer drought |
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| Distinguishing traits. Originating from 11 species native to west coast of the United States, Pacific Coast iris hybrids are available in shades of whites, blues, pinks, browns, and purples — some with ornate patterns or veins. |
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| Depending on local climate, flowering occurs beginning in January and persists through May — with peak bloom time occurring through March and April. Pacific Coast iris grows well from seed in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Spring and fall are the best seasons to transplant as roots are actively growing at this time. The plants will go dormant after flowering. Cut back spent flowers and leaves in preparation for next year's blooms. |
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| Keep it growing. Use the native climate of Pacific Coast iris as your guide for growing. California summers are long and dry, so PCI will require little to no watering during that time. Winters are mild with occasional frost. Plant PCI in full sun or in areas of your garden that receive filtered afternoon sun to protect from hot mid-day heat. |
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| Emulate the woodlands or meadows of Pacific Coast iris’s natural habitat for a loose and natural landscape. |
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| Growing in compact clumps, the foliage of PCI is finer than other iris species — almost like blades of grass. |
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| More great design plants: Redtwig Dogwood | Hens-and-Chicks | Snake Flower | Toyon | Black Mondo Grass Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass | Red Kangaroo Paw | Blue Chalk Sticks Catmint | Slipper Plant | Golden Creeping Jenny Great design trees: Chinese Witch Hazel | Manzanita | Japanese Maple | Persian Ironwood Smoke Tree | Bald Cypress | Tree Aloe |
Comments
janet4784 This is a wonderful plant here in northern California. We planted some years ago and it spread on its own. I divided them once, but haven't for several years. Lovely flowers, easy care.
16 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 6, 2012.
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