Photo of Moraea pendula flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Moraea pendula

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 3'
  • W: 2'

planting zones

  • 9a-10b

Moraea pendula plant details

Moraea pendula is a challenging to grow broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Moraea pendula

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 3 FT tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: rare, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Moraea pendula

USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Like y’all needed another Moraea to lust after! Moraeas are notoriously not the easiest South African bulbs to grow (& we usually have very limited crops when we’re able to offer them) but they’re irresistible Irids & who are we to not grow something just because it’s challenging, rare & seriously desirable? Moraea pendula fits that bill rather nicely, though I wouldn’t call it the hardest Moraea to grow, really. It’s got wee little pendulous flowers of brilliant canary yellow that look like perfectly formed Lilliputian lilies, each with orangey red anthers. The glaucous leaves are quite long & trailing – almost as unusual as the blooms. Great in a pot, where you can easily restrict water during the Summer (recommended) & control drainage (good drainage is preferred.) Flowering occurs around April & lasts a few weeks. Native to South Africa. Grows to 3’ high, but very narrow.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Moraea pendula plant

How to Grow Moraea pendula

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glaucous

See other plant types of Moraea for your garden

aka Moraea rivularis

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - bright shade
  • even moisture - regular
  • dry when dormant
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aka Fleur-de-lys-Moraea

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 15"

Width: 6"

  • mostly shade
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
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aka Peacock Iris, Peacock Moraea

Plant Type

Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-16"

Width: 5"-7"

  • mostly shade
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
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Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 36"-48"

Width: 6"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
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aka Homeria elegans

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
  • dry in summer
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