About
Patersonia (glabrata, occidentalis, sericea, umbrosa, xanthina) are iris-like, evergreen, tufted perennials from Australia producing narrow, grass-like leaves and short-lived but freely produced, purple, blue or yellow flowers with three broad petals. Grown in frost-free, sunny, well-drained gardens.
About the genus
Patersonia are evergreen, tufted, iris-like perennials from Australia producing narrow, grass-like leaves and short-lived but freely produced flowers with three broad petals in purple, blue or yellow. Grown in frost-free, sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toJapan
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in partial or deep shade
PruningCut back stems after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free