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Key characteristics

Family: Iridaceae
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 2 to 4 feet
Flower color: Variable shades including blue, purple, lavender, and white, often with darker veining and a yellow signal
Foliage color: Sword-shaped, dark green leaves
Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low; drought-tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low; remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies

Perennials

Iris douglasiana

Douglas Iris

Iris douglasiana is a perennial native to the coastal regions of California. It produces elegant flowers that bloom in early spring in delicate shades of blue, purple, and occasionally white. These flowers are often marked with darker veining, and feature a yellow signal, adding complexity to their appearance. The plant is well-suited to its native environment, thriving in areas with mild winters and cool, foggy summers.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low; drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

Early to mid-spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes

Design tip

The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)