Iris macrosiphon (Long Tubed Iris)

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.