Family: lridaceae

Comprising over 80 species from winter rainfall areas of South Africa, particularly Cape Province, these grow from very small bulbous corms and are slow to multiply. They grow actively through winter and are dormant in summer. The leaves may be long, sword-shaped and very narrow or thread-like. The funnel-shaped flowers are arranged on stems like freesias and ixias.

Species

G. imbricata has white blooms flushed with purple stripes on the outside. It flowers in spring, being one of the last of the group to flower. The flower stems grow to about 30 cm (12 in) high.

G. radians, known as wine cups, bears deep blue to purple flowers in late winter to early spring. Growing naturally in damp grass, it seldom reaches more than 15 cm (6 in) high.

G. splendidissima is is a beautiful species, growing 20 cm (8 in) high, with bright violet-blue flowers.

Cultivation

Grow outside in warm areas in a well-drained position with full sun. Protect from excessive rain when dormant. In frost-prone areas, grow in a cool greenhouse or con­servatory in maximum light, in pots of well-drained, soil-based potting compost. Do not water when dormant. Propagate by division when dormant.

Climate

Zone 9.