About
A tender, cormous perennial to 45cm tall, producing linear, stem-clasping leaves to 25cm long. In spring it produces upward-facing, wavy-petalled, green or cream-coloured, unpleasant-smelling flowers, to 5cm across, spotted with purple and brown. Best suited to a temperate greenhouse.
About the genus
Ferraria is a genus containing species of varied habit, from compact perennials to larger woody plants. Members are valued in horticulture for their flowers, foliage, or overall form and are found in diverse habitats worldwide
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationPlant corms 15cm deep in autumn. Under glass, plant directly into a greenhouse border or in deep containers of peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit. During growth in winter, water moderately, keep in full light and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep dry in summer
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 6-12°C in summer or autumn, separate offsets from dormant parent corms
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free