Orthrosanthus multiflorus
Australian morning flower
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, to 60cm tall, with narrow, upright then arching, grass-like leaves. Loose, upright spikes of pale blue to violet blue, saucer-shaped flowers are produced in late spring and early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| 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
- Genus
Orthrosanthus are perennials with narrow leaves arising from short, woody rhizomes. Bowl- or saucer-shaped, blue flowers in loose, terminal spikes appear in late spring and early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loam-based potting compost, with added sharp sand and leaf mould, in full light. Water moderately when in growth and hardly at all when dormant. In mild areas grow outdoors in a warm, sheltered spot in light, well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate from seed (indoors) sown at 13-18°C or by division, in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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