Orthrosanthus laxus
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
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.