Pacific Coast iris - Care and Culture

Pacific Coast Iris and Iris Pacifica Hybrids. The wild irises that grow along the Pacific Coast (California, Oregon and Washington) are broadly known as 'Pacific Coast Iris'. In fact the Pacific Coast Iris group is make up of about 11 different species including Iris douglasiana, other species include Iris bracteata (Siskiyyou Iris), Iris chrysophylla, Iris fernaldii, Iris hartwegii, Iris innominata, Iris macrosiphon, Iris munzii, Iris purdyi, Iris tenuissima (Shasta Iris) and Iris tenax. From these we have lots of modern hybrids.

Pacific Coast Iris prefer a shaded to part shaded position especially in warmer climates. A humus rich well drained soil is best. Old foliage can be removed in late autumn.
Pacific coast species are available however it is generally the the hybrids, 'Iris Pacifica Hybrids' and developed strains such as Iris douglasiana 'Canyon Snow' and 'Mendocino Banner' that arethe most popular as garden plants.

Pacific Coast Iris are not as readily avilable for sale in Australia as some of the larger showy irises and as the Modras have unfortunatly closed their nursery we have no suppliers listed. Iris societies and clubs are a good source of plants.