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Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database |
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Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database |
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Northwest Native Irises (Flag, Fleur-de-lis) |
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There is a distinct group of Iris called
the Pacific Coast (Grass) Iris. We know of six species of Grass Iris:
Besides these recognized grass iris species, there are maybe hundreds of hybrids. These grass irises have narrow grass like leaves, except the Douglas Iris, and form grassy clumps. Flowers are very showy, usually about 18” tall. The Pacific Coast Iris hybridize very easy –too easy. Where several of these wonderful plants are growing in the same area, the seeds may yield all sorts of color combinations. They grow easy from seeds. However, to exactly duplicate the mother plant, propagate by division of the rhizome clump, usually in the early fall. Usually these beauties bloom by the middle of May at elevations below 500 ft . As you explore a bit in the Cascades, you will find some in bloom through June They like plenty of sunshine and well drained, humus-y soil. |
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Other Fine Northwest Native Irises
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| Culture and Propagation: I grow native iris from seed. Seeds germinate freely without s pecial techniques to break dormancy. You can also propagate by division in the early fall. I prefer to sow seed in the fall. I am not aware of any disease in wild iris but watch those nasty slugs. Here in Western Oregon, iris in the ground survive winters nicely. I have had loss due to cold weather when plants are in pots outside and temperatures drop to 10 degrees with wind. Grass Iris hybridize easily. For “true to species” plants, you must isolate plants. | |
| Romance Of The Iris: The beautiful Pacific Northwest Irises must come from the footsteps of “IRIS”, the beautiful Greek Goddess of the Rainbow! What beauty, what delight! How fortunate, you who have these lovely perennials in your gardens! The Iris has fascinated poets and romantics for centuries. I quote the last three verses from a poem written about 1850 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. “Flower-De-Luce” . . . . . | |
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Thou art the Iris, fair among the fairest, Who, armed with golden rod And winged with celestial azure, bearest The message of some God. Thou art the Muse, who far from crowded cities Hauntest the sylvan streams, Playing on pipes of reed the artless ditties That come to us as dreams. O flower-de-luce, bloom on, and let the river Linger to kiss thy feet! O flower of song, bloom on, and make forever The world more fair and sweet. |
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