Overview

Orthrosanthus polystachyus is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Orthrosanthus, part of the Iridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Orthrosanthus polystachyus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and patio and container plants.

About

Orthrosanthus polystachyus is a clump-forming, evergreen herbaceous perennial from the genus Orthrosanthus, known for its slender foliage arising from compact, woody rhizomes. This cultivar thrives in full sun, favouring south- or west-facing aspects, and grows well in well-drained loam or sandy soils across a range of pH levels. It produces bowl- or saucer-shaped blue flowers in loose terminal clusters during late spring and early summer. Suitable for conservatories, gravel gardens, patios, and informal cottage gardens, it requires watering during establishment and can be propagated by seed or division.

About the genus

Orthrosanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae first described as a genus in 1827. It is native to western and southern Australia and the Americas from Mexico to northwestern Argentina.

Wikipedia contributors, "Orthrosanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Orthrosanthus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Orthrosanthus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Orthrosanthus polystachyus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Orthrosanthus polystachyus

Propagation

Seed, Division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions