Moraea huttonii
Hutton's Cape tulip
A summer-flowering cormous perennial, to 1m tall and 25cm wide. Leaves are long, narrow and semi-erect and the fragrant, iris-like flowers are borne in succession on a sturdy stem. Each flower is up to 7cm across and marked with brown near the centre
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Moraea are cormous perennials with linear, sword-shaped or rolled leaves and clusters of short-lived iris-like flowers in late spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a sheltered, sunny site in well-drained soil, protect from excessive winter wet and mulch in winter in cold areas. Grow under glass in areas with severe winter frosts in a loam-based compost (JI No 2) with added sharp grit. Water sparingly when growth begins and freely in full growth. Dry off as leaves wither, to ensure a dry dormancy
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or separate offsets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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