Ferraria crispa
curled ferraria
A tender, cormous perennial to 45cm tall, producing linear, stem-clasping leaves to 25cm long. In spring it produces upward-facing, wavy-petalled, green or cream-coloured, unpleasant-smelling flowers, to 5cm across, spotted with purple and brown. Best suited to a temperate greenhouse
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Green Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant corms 15cm deep in autumn. Under glass, plant directly into a greenhouse border or in deep containers of loam-based potting compost with added grit. During growth in winter, water moderately, keep in full light and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep dry in summer
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 6-12°C in summer or autumn, separate offsets from dormant parent corms
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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