About
Moraea spathulata, the spathulate butterfly lily, is an evergreen (in frost-free climates) cormous perennial with a single linear leaf to each corm and a stem bearing clusters of bright-yellow, iris-like flowers to 9 cm wide, marked with purplish-brown on the lower petals. A rewarding and ornamental bulb for a sunny, well-drained, frost-free position.
About the genus
Moraea are cormous perennials from South Africa with linear, sword-shaped or cylindrical leaves and clusters of short-lived, iris-like flowers in late spring or summer. Grown in sunny, well-drained, frost-free positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Coastal, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toHimalaya
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sharply-drained poor soil with full sun and protect from winter wet. Plants dislike disturbance
PruningSeedheads are useful for dried flower arrangements
PropagationPropagate by seed in a coldframe as soon as ripe with one seed per container of gritty seed compost. Can be propagated by winter root cuttings but plants do not like root disturbance
Pest resistanceSusceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rot, especially in shade