Iris is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the family Iridaceae, including some of the world’s most popular and varied garden flowers. The diversity of the genus is centred in the north temperate zone, though some of its most handsome species are native to the Mediterranean and central Asian areas. The iris is arguably the fleur-de-lis of the French royalist standard. It is a popular subject of Japanese flower arrangement, and it is also the source of orrisroot, from which “essence of violet” perfume is made.

As its common name Oregon Iris implies, this wildflower is native to Oregon, as well as Washington and California in the United States. A great choice for wildflower planting in meadows, gardens, or along roadsides! The flowers bloom in mid to late spring and are usually lavender-blue to purple, but blooms in white, yellow, pink, and orchid shades are known to sometimes occur! Its foliage is exceptionally narrow for an iris causing the plant to sometimes be mistaken for a grass when not in bloom. Native Americans used fibrous leaves to make strong, pliable rope and cord and for braiding into snares. This awesome perennial grows 15cm to 30cm in height, should be spaced 25cm to 45cm apart in a partially shaded area of the garden for best results. Likes cold winters to do well, so loves frosts.