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Bench of Repose
Douglas Iris
Blue Beach Aster, Seaside Daisy
Coral Bells
Douglas Iris

Common name:Douglas Iris
Botanical name:Iris douglasiana

Douglas iris is an evergreen perennial for shade or partial sun with blue violet spring flowers. It is a California native that is drought tolerant.

Maintenance Tips

Iris douglasiana is a small perennial wildflower that is native to California and Oregon. It matures at 1-2' tall and forms a clump of sword-like leaves that spread 3-4' wide. The flowers emerge above the foliage a few inches and are commonly a shade of purple. This is a very low-maintenance plant if it is planted in ideal conditions. These have evolved near creeks and naturally wet areas, so they are a great plant to use in swales or other lower elevations in the garden where water collects. In coastal gardens, this Iris is more drought tolerant, collecting their moisture from the overcast mornings. There is rarely any maintenance associated with these plants other than dividing them every few years if the clump becomes too large or dense.

Blue Beach Aster, Seaside Daisy

Common name:Blue Beach Aster, Seaside Daisy
Botanical name:Erigeron glaucus

This perennial will grow under 1' tall and 2.5' wide. It has blue green foliage and lavender flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Maintenance Tips

Erigeron glaucus is a small evergreen perennial that only grows about 6-8” tall with a spread of about 30,” so it can be used as a ground cover or in mass plantings. Although it is drought tolerant, it tends to have a longer blooming cycle if it receives supplemental water during the spring and summer. It requires almost no pruning throughout the year. It can get thin and leggy during the cooler, wetter months of the year, so a good shearing at this time or just before new growth is emerging in the spring will benefit the plant.

Coral Bells

Common name:Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera sanguinea

Tufts of round leaves 2"-3" wide with scalloped edges accent this plant. It also produces wiry stems to 24" tall with open clusters of reddish pink, bell-shaped flowers.

Designer: Dave Buchanan

Bench of Repose
Image: 12 of 29

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.

Integrated Pest Management:

Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.