Moraea flaccida
one-leaf Cape tulip
M. flaccida is a cormous perennial, to 60cm tall, producing a single, arching leaf that may reach as much as 1m long. Six-petalled, salmon or yellow flowers are produced on branched stems in spring and summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Orange Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–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
- SW Cape Prov.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow at the base of a warm, sunny wall in a well-drained, humus-rich, moderately fertile soil in full sun with midday shade. Protect from excessive winter wet. Under glass grow 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 from mid-summer to autumn
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a coldframe in spring, or separate offsets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.