Iris douglasiana
Douglas Iris
Description
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.