Description
A strikingly beautiful species with the largest flowers of the group in fabulous shades of lavender-blue, blue and turquoise.
Stems to 50 cm tall make these large, Iris-like flowers at the ends and from side branches. The bases of the petals have a large, blackish zone at the base and the peacock-blue nectar guide that characterises the group.
The flowers are accompanied by a solitary, ribbed, leaf.
Named in 1927 (though it had been known for very many years before this). It is in danger of extinction in the wild but clings on in a handful of remnant sites in the Western Cape. Even there it is under threat from agriculture. Its habitats are all within a Mediterranean climatic zone where it is winter-growing and summer dormant. The corms must be kept dry over summer but can be started in late autumn in a sandy, well-drained compost. Cultivation under glass, to ensure freedom from freezing, will be needed in Northern climes but alpine house temperatures will suffice. Lots of light and regular, heavy feeding will ensure good growth and flowering
Picture © Angelo Porcelli, used with permission and thanks.
