Pacific Coast Iris: Native Hybrids for West Coast Gardens

Crown jewel of the West, Pacific Coast iris (PCI) from Iris douglasiana and relatives—rapidly expanding hybrid palette. Specialists Joe Ghio (Bay View Gardens) and Lois Belardi (Santa Cruz) create award-winners like 'Clincher' and 'Sea Gal' (American Iris Society honors).

Shorter than most irises (10–18 in) but showy 4-inch flowers in wide colors/patterns, some blooming 6 weeks. Ideal for rock gardens, woodland edges.

More: Society for Pacific Coast Native Iris (www.pacificcoastiris.org).

Sources

• Bay View Gardens (catalog $3; 1201 Bay St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060) – 'Clincher' and many
• Iris Gallery (www.allthingsiris.com, 800/757-4747) – 74 varieties including 'Sea Gal' (fall)

Culture

• Climate: Best Sunset 4–9, 14–24; mixed in zone 3
• Light: Partial shade inland, full sun coast
• Soil: Neutral to slightly acidic, good drainage
• Planting: Spring: potted rhizomes only. Fall: soak bare rhizomes 24 hrs
• Water: Little supplemental needed; dry climates: weekly extra
• Feeding: Alfalfa pellets + compost at planting (peat in alkaline soil). Complete fertilizer late winter/early spring for bloom
• Maintenance: Remove dead leaves. Every 3 years late fall: dig half, divide into fist-size+ pieces, replant immediately. Other half next year.