Family: Iridaceae
Common Name: Native Iris, Native Flag

Most of these 13 species of iris-like plants originate from Australia, although there are species native to Papua New Guinea, Borneo and Sumatra. Clump-forming perennials with underground rhizomes, they have narrow, upright, grass-like leaves and lovely, blue to light purple flowers on long stems, from papery bracts. Like iris, the flowers can occasionally be yellow or white. While usually lasting less than a day, a succession of blooms appear over a long period in spring and summer. In frost-prone climates, grow them in a cool to intermediate greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

Not all are available outside their countries of origin.

P. fragilis, from eastern and southern parts of Australia, is a small, tufting plant with grass-like leaves, 15-40 cm (6-16 in) long. The mauve to purple flowers are borne on stems shorter than the foliage, in spring and early summer.

P. glabrata, from eastern Australia, with violet, three-lobed flowers, in spring and summer, is very similar to P. fragilis.

P. longiscapa, purple flag, is a species from math-eastern Australia, with purplish mauve flowers, from spring to summer. Tolerating damp soils, it will grow anywhere there is sufficient moisture. An excellent, white-floweredform is also available.

P. occidentalis, from Western Australia, grows 30-60 cm (12-24 in) high and has large purple flowers, in spring and summer.

P. sericea, from eastern Australia, grows to 30 cm (12 in) or more. The deep purple flowers, which fade to mauve, are produced in summer. The whole plant tends to be covered in fine, woolly hairs.

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in pots of well-drained, soil-based potting compost. Plants need maximum light, but do not subject them to direct strong sun. They need regular watering in the growing season, but should be kept only slightly moist in winter. Outdoors these plants need a sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. Propagate in spring from seed germinated at 18'C (64°F), or by division in autumn. Plants benefit from division every four years.

Climate

Zone 10.