I have the dark blue one for twenty years, and have given away divisions regularly. Al

I bought about 12 Iris douglasiana from a nursery in Oregon. They shipped them UPS and I planted them here in Bakersfield's blazing Summer Season. Yes, I did have some fatalities. A couple died because the gardeners wacked them, even though I made every effort to keep them away of them. And a couple died because of the heat or rot. I have (5) survivors and they seem to be doing better now that the temps have fallen. I have them planted in shade.

I also purchased a seed packet of Mixed Pac Coast Hybrids from Thompson Morgan. It says not to plant until February, so I am holding out for the next couple months before planting. Wish me luck with that adventure.

I have some bulbs from Dutch Iris and they seem incredibly hardy and have already produced secondary bulbs.

It is certainly true that the rhizome type Iris are more fragile and extra thought must be given to where and how they are planted.

One of my douglasiana has put up a secondary sprout and yes, that is definitely encouraging.

'Canyon Snow', although once thought to be a hybrid, is a selection of Iris douglasiana, one of the better species for gardens in SCal. That's a good starting point for you.

Secondly, what the RSABG grows is a good listing since they're "just around the corner" from you. What they have is actually more "garden conditions" than natural conditions.

Third, look for SoCal species such as Iris munzii, I. hartwegii, I. tenuissima and, as already mentioned, the adaptable I. douglasiana.

Fourth, find those hybrids that were developed in the Los Angeles area in the 50's and 60's (and maybe today). Before that time, hybrids were made in England, the Pacific Northwest and Northern California and were selected for adaptability to those climes. After that time, the breeding went back to NoCal. I think even the RSABG made some hybrids. I also think they have a registry of the hybrids and can tell you which is which.

Fifth, there is a Pacific Coast Iris Society. They're in NoCal and WA, by the way!

Joe

The Thompson Morgan seeds are English Hybrids, FYI.

My douglasiana have been almost like weeds, growing in full sun and deep shade equally well, suviving drought and abuse and the wettest years and still producing beautiful blooms in Spring and staying green through most of the summer. Definitely one of my favorite plants in my yard. Lately I've taken to transplanting cosmos around them in June, so as I cut back the irises, the cosmos come into bloom.

Thanks everyone. Sounds like there are some good results out there with the right types of native iris. It looks like I'll be checking out the RSABG offerings as well as Theodore Payne Foundation as well.