A tuberous perennial, to about 100cm tall, with strap-shaped green, upright leaves clasping the sturdy, dark reddish-brown stems. Very large, pale lilac to white 3-petalled orchid or iris-like flowers are produced in loose clusters from July to November
0.5-1 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in humus-rich, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A cool, sheltered site in partial shade is ideal; in very cold areas apply a deep winter mulch. If growing from a tuber, plant 15cm deep
Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, or by division of tubers in spring
Remove faded flowers, the rest of the plant will die down naturally
May be susceptible to slugs and vine weevils
Generally disease-free