Moraea huttonii

RHS Plant Profile

Hutton's Cape tulip

Christopher Whitehouse

Synonyms

Moraea rivularis

Bulbs Conservatory Greenhouse

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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Columnar upright
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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 peat-free, loam-based compost 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