About

A clump-forming, rhizomatous, evergreen perennial to about 65cm. It has stiff, flat, narrowleaves and lightly scented flowers with three large and three small, white petals the smaller ones with yellow and purple markings.

About the genus

Diplarrena are rhizomatous, evergreen perennials related to irises. They are clump-forming, producing tufts of stiff linear to sword-shaped leaves to 30cm, the flowers borne above the leaves on wiry stems. Flowers 2-3 in a terminal cluster, with 3 large, white outer segments, the inner 3 more erect and usually coloured

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toTasmania
FragranceFlower
ToxicityCauses severe discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a sunny position in humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid soil. Partial shade is suitable when planted in a hot site
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Can also be propagated by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free