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

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Moraea polystachya

Also Known As

  • Butterfly Iris

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 12"-24"
  • W: 6"-12"

planting zones

  • 7b-10b

More Options

Moraea polystachya plant details

Moraea polystachya is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In fall lavender flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be 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 polystachya

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender blooms in fall
Uses: easy-to-grow, fall color, summer dormant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Moraea polystachya

USDA Zones: 7b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Some Moraeas can be a challenge to grow – but not this one! In fact, this this plant almost couldn't be easier! Our trials have shown this species to be very drought tolerant, long blooming, vigorous, & it returns bigger & stronger every year! Large 3”, simple & elegant iris-like lavender flowers with yellow nectar guides appear atop 2' stems. Each bloom is ephemeral, but successive flowers appear over a long period – 6 to 8 weeks. When not in bloom, the grass like leaves are inconspicuous, & will disappear during drought. Ordinarily this species is only supposed to be Fall blooming, but for us it blooms twice – once in late Spring, & again in October. Widespread in both Summer & Winter rainfall areas of South Africa, so can thrive in both dry gardens & with irrigation. Rich soil would be good, but it's not required.

Gardening facts about Moraea polystachya plant

How to Grow Moraea polystachya

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • lavender
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy
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