Ferraria crispa

Also Known As

Spider Iris

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 1"-4"

planting zones

9a-10b

More Options

Ferraria crispa plant details

Ferraria crispa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In winter chocolate and cream flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ferraria crispa

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 IN - 4 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: chocolate and cream blooms in winter
Uses: fragrant, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ferraria crispa

USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

If you’re into freaky flowers, this bulb is for you! It looks like something from under the sea, like the edges of the petals are covered with barnacles. Plus, the crinkly texture & the flower shape remind me of starfish. The flower color can be variable. Some are a rich, chocolate brown with yellow petal edges, others are creamy-green with touches of blue. The plant is robust, reaching 1.5’ tall. Most of our plants seem to be the green-flowered form, which I've noticed seems to be more fragrant than the brown. A word about the fragrance-many people list Ferraria as having a rather unpleasant odor but I have to admit I think it is one of the yummiest fragrances ever! And several people here at the nursery back me up- it smells just like vanilla! Being from South Africa this bulb will appreciate a summer dry period & is best grown in a pot since it needs good drainage. (The easier to keep near at hand to enjoy the fragrance!)