About

A clump-forming, evergreen perennial to around 60cm high, with woody rhizomes and narrow, grass-like, linear leaves with rough edges. Wiry, branching stems bear pale violet blue, saucer-shaped flowers, that open in succession from late spring to early summer.

About the genus

Orthrosanthus are perennials with narrow leaves arising from short, woody rhizomes. Bowl- or saucer-shaped, blue flowers in loose, terminal spikes appear in late spring and early summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Native toSW Australia

Care notes

CultivationThrives in light, well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun. In colder areas, grow under glass or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, in peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand in full light. Water moderately in growth and keep almost dry when dormant
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free