Orthrosanthus multiflorus

RHS Plant Profile
Australian morning flower

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Australian morning flower RHS
Australian morning flower RHS
Conservatory Greenhouse Herbaceous Perennial
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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

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 Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–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

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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 peat-free, 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