About

Chasmanthe floribunda var. floribunda is a perennial that develops into a clump, characterized by its upright, lanceolate leaves that are a vivid green. During the summer, the flower spikes emerge, displaying dark purple stems adorned with upright, tubular flowers in shades of orangey-yellow.

About the genus

This genus comprises clump-forming perennials belonging to the iris family and is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. The plants develop from corms and feature a cluster of narrow, lanceolate leaves. The erect flowering stems bear tubular blossoms that are organized in two distinct vertical rows.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Neutral, Acid, Alkaline

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Plant type

Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump forming, Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation

In milder parts of the UK grow in a sunny or semi shade spot, in rich moist but well drained soil. They can over winter outside in very sheltered gardens with free draining soil. But are best lifted or grown in pots for frost prone gardens

Pruning

Cut back in late winter before the new growth appears

Propagation

Propagate from seed in spring or divide established clumps in spring, discarding old or damaged corms

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free