Orthrosanthus laxus

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Herbaceous Perennial
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A clump-forming, evergreen perennial to around 60cm high, with woody rhizomes and narrow, grass-like, linear leaves with rough edges. Wiry, branching stems bear pale violet blue, saucer-shaped flowers, that open in succession from late spring to 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 Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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
SW Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in light, well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun. In colder areas, grow under glass or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, in peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand in full light. Water moderately in growth and keep almost dry when dormant

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free