Pacific Coast Iris (PCI)
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The Pacific Coast, or Californian iris are members of the beardless group, and comprise a number of iris species, mainly I. innominata, I. douglasiana, I. tenax and I. munzii, all of which are endemic to the west coast of North America. It would be difficult to grow most of the species in the UK, but hybrids bred from inter-species crossing are usually quite easy in British gardens. They are best grown from seed, which should be sown in trays in the autumn, and left outside over the winter. Germination is high, and under the right conditions, some plants can be expected to bloom in 18 months, exhibiting a variety of colours, and even with delicate tracery in the petals. A warning. Mature plants hate being moved, and this exercise should only be undertaken in September/October, when they are forming new roots, and disturbance is minimal. Otherwise, they are very accommodating.
Phillip Jones
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