code: 961
Its rhizomes spread slowly
Family: Iridaceae
Common name: Tough-leaved Iris, Oregon Iris
Plant Classification: Hardy bulb Hardy perennial
Maximum Height: 60 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 10
Large, showy flowers of lavender-blue to purple open above leaves which are very slender for an iris, the plant often being mistaken for grass when not in bloom! Its rhizomes spread slowly, causing the plant to grow in a tight clump. Native to south-western Washington and north-western Oregon, its species name, tenax, means “tough” and refers to the strong, fibrous leaves of the plant, which were used by indigenous peoples for braiding into snares and other cordage.
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. However, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, and often wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. But spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth if successful germination occurs.
Information:
Origin:
Western Oregon, Western Washington, and Northern California.
Plant Group:
Perennials.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: Not listed.
USDA zones: 5-9.
Heat zones: 9-5.
Mature size:
Height: 8-14 inches (20-35 cm.)
Flowering period:
Mid-spring to midsummer, some years as early as late March.
Flowering attributes:
Lavender is the predominate color, but some flowers can be purple to purple-blue, pink, yellow and even white. It normally carries one flower per stalk, sometimes two.
Leaf attributes:
Deciduous, grass-like blades no more than ¼-inch wide, bright green leaves.
Light:
Dappled shade, partial shade to full sun.
Soil:
Moist, humus rich soil but can tolerate dry soil.
Propagation Methods:
Sow fresh seed immediately, or store seed in dry, cool conditions to sow later, fall being preferable.
Divide rhizomes in early fall.
