This beautiful perennial forms vigorous 2 to 3 foot wide clumps of arching  dark green sword shaped leaves. From spring to early summer 3 to 4 inch long flowers arise on 1 to 2 foot high stems. The flowers can range from a creamy white to lavender to dark purple. Douglas irises are one tough customer that provide the gardener a range of uses. They are fabulous scattered under oaks or other dry shady areas  or massed to produce a grass-like ground cover. They can be planted in full sun along the coast and in filtered light inland. Irises are not finicky about soil types  but they prefer richer soils such as clay with some organic matter in the soil. Once established they do not need much water but they like a bit of water throughout their first year to get established. Remember  they may look like lush grass  but do not appreciate regular watering in summer months  when they are naturally adapted to little or no rainfall. Important nectar producer for native bees. Make great cut flowers.