Having Fun with Pacific Coast Irises
Pacific Coast Irises and their hybrids (PCIs) are some of the most colourful of all the irises, yet they are little grown in the UK. The reason why is probably due to their dislike of being transplanted. However, if you are prepared to sow the seed, new plants are easily obtained and the slight effort is amply rewarded. Let me persuade you by showing a few of our seedlings which flowered for the first time this year. |
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The PCIs generally dislike lime and prefer a free draining humus-rich soil - we are on clay and digging in garden compost did the trick. These irises can be grown in the open, but often do better below deciduous trees where they can add to the woodland feel. Flowering in April they stand about a foot tall (30cm). Seeds will germinate happily if sown on compost and covered with half an inch (1.5cm) of fine grit. Prick out into 9cm pots when the seedlings are large enough to handle and grow on in these. Leave potting-up or planting until early April when the worst of the frosts have past. Results can be surprisingly quick. Whilst most irises will take 3 years to come to flowering size, we have had PCIs flower with 14 months.
Getting hold of good seed is the key to success. As Treasurer of the Group for Beardless Irises (part of the British Iris Society), I would naturally recommend their seed exchange - details can be found on www.gbi.org.uk
It is always a pleasure to see your seedlings flower for the first time and the benefit with PCIs is that despite the wide variety of colours, it is had to find one that doesn't deserve a place in the garden.
We do sell named cultivars when available, please enquire.
