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Iris macrosiphon (Long Tubed Iris)

Long Tubed Iris, Bowltube Iris, Ground Iris, Iris amabilis, Iris californica

Iris macrosiphon, Long Tubed Iris, Bowltube Iris, Ground Iris, Iris amabilis, Iris californica, California Native Plants, California Native Perennials
Iris macrosiphon, Long Tubed Iris, Bowltube Iris, Ground Iris, Iris amabilis, Iris californica, California Native Plants, California Native Perennials
Iris macrosiphon, Long Tubed Iris, Bowltube Iris, Ground Iris, Iris amabilis, Iris californica, California Native Plants, California Native Perennials

Adding color to shady garden spots, Iris macrosiphon (Long Tubed Iris) is a beautiful and variable perennial iris with green to blue-green, upright to slightly spreading leaves that are colorless at the base. Rising from branching rhizomes, Long Tubed Iris occurs singly or forms small clumps. In spring, flowering stalks much shorter than the attending leaves boast flowers, two to a stem, in a myriad of colors ranging from deep indigo blue to violet to lavender, creamy white or yellow. Each blossom features rounded, upright to arching downward sepals adorned with conspicuous veins and upright to slightly spreading petals. Some flower stems may be up to 14 in. tall (35 cm) and others so short that the flowers appear to be borne on the ground. Native to the eastern slopes of the North Coast Ranges of California and the low foothills of the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Long Tubed Iris is a species of sunny grassy hills, edges of woods, or lightly shaded spots within the woodland areas. Growing in sun to broken shade with moderate moisture and porous soil, it is perfect for tucking into rock gardens or to edge woodland borders.

  • Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade in moist but well-drained loamy soil with organic matter. This plant will tolerate sun for most of the day in mild areas, and should have afternoon shade and ample water in the interior regions. It is intolerant of frequent summer water. Water every 2 weeks in summer if not planted next to a creek or in a naturally wet area.
  • Increase by seed (early fall) or rhizome divisions (in fall or winter after the first new roots are established but before the flowers form). It is recommended that the plants be started from seed.
  • Keep an eye out for the PCI borer (Amphipoea americana var. pacifica) and iris borer. Deer resistant.
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to California.

Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for irises like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Iris virginica var. shrevei (Southern Blue Flag)
Iris latifolia (English Iris)
Iris lactea (Milky Iris)
Iris chrysographes (Gold-Marked Iris)
Iris setosa (Bristle-Pointed Iris)
Iris hexagona (Dixie Iris)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris)
Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Iris Species
Not sure which Iris Species to pick?
Compare Now

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