Pacific Coast Iris 'Canyon Snow'

Wed, 08/05/2009 - 1:56pm — Kathy Ormiston

Photo Credit:

Vera Kark, PADG

Botanical Name:

Iris 'Canyon Snow'

Pronunciation:

(EYE-riss)

Common Name:

Pacific Coast Iris 'Canyon Snow'

Plant Type:

Bulb

Mature Size:

Flower stems reach 8 in. to 24 in. high

Water Requirements:

Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full to half sun

Flower Color :

White

We received this Pacific Coast iris cultivar from UC Davis in the spring of 2009, so it is a new plant in our garden. This cultivar is rumored to tolerate full sun better than many other California native irises. 'Canyon Snow' irises are also more floriferous and vigorous than most native iris, which is why UC Davis named this plant to its list of Aboretum "All Stars".

There are many, many hybrids of Pacific Coast iris, some of which are very showy. Flower colors available include white, blue, pink, copper, brown, maroon, and violet. The flowers appear in the spring.

Master Gardeners have found that in our own gardens Pacific Coast irises seem to prefer part shade and low to moderate water. Native irises are useful under oaks, in woodland gardens and in meadows.