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| Photo Credit: Robert Smaus |
| Pacific Coast iris comes in many colors, such as the white ‘Canyon Snow’. |
Many California native plants are unable to deal with garden watering. They demand summer dryness or close to it, and if they could, they might flee at the sight of you and your garden hose. That makes them temperamental in the average garden.
Not all are so adverse, however, which means some are easier to grow than others. Some California natives actually need supplemental irrigation, especially in the southern half of the state. These plants are happy to see you turning on the sprinkler because they’re native to moist areas, like fog-drenched coastal bluffs, along streams or in moist meadows and valley bottoms. Pacific Coast iris is an example of such a plant. It can tolerate watering right along with most garden perennials or shrubs. Keep this native as moist as a lawn and it may complain, but in general it’s easy and reliable, persistent and long-lived. In summer, Pacific Coast iris needs less water because it’s largely dormant and inactive during that season. This, and the fact that the plant will grow in partial shade, makes it a good choice for planting under native oaks. Some shade is required inland, but near the coast, this iris does best in sun. The distinctive beardless flowers of Pacific Coast iris open in early spring, but the clumps of foliage last year-round. In late summer and fall, there may be many dead reddish-brown leaves mixed with the green, but overall it’s an easy look to live with. Late fall is the best time to plant, divide or transplant this native, but even old clumps seldom need replanting. As they spread, the old parts simply fade away. Try Pacific Coast iris in small meadowlike yards or in little clumps near paths or boulders, which sets off the plant’s spiky good looks. Plant a clump, and you won’t be disappointed – this lovely spring-blooming iris will be with you for many, many years!
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