About
A cormous perennial, to 40cm tall, with wiry stems and long, narrow leaves. Cup-shaped, scented, pink, peach or yellow flowers, to 7cm across, are produced in succession from spring to summer.
About the genus
Moraea are cormous perennials with linear, sword-shaped or rolled leaves and clusters of short-lived iris-like flowers in late spring or summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toSW Cape Prov.
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow at the base of a warm, sunny wall in a well-drained, humus-rich, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. Under glass grow in a peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp grit. Water sparingly when growth begins and freely in full growth. Dry off as leaves wither, to ensure a dry dormancy from mid-summer to autumn
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a coldframe in spring, or separate offsets when dormant
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free