A mesmerizing and rare species from the arid winter-rainfall regions of South Africa’s Northern and Western A rare and arresting member of the iris family, Ferraria schaferi is native to the arid winter-rainfall regions of South Africa, where it grows in well-drained, sandy soils among rocky outcrops. Its fascinating flowers are intricate and spidery in form, typically a rich mix of chocolate, olive, and ochre hues with ruffled edges and a distinctively exotic appearance. Blooming in late winter to early spring, each flower lasts only a day or two, but the plant produces a succession over several weeks.
In cultivation in the U.S., Ferraria schaferi performs best in Mediterranean climates such as coastal California, where it can be grown outdoors year-round. Elsewhere, it is best suited to pot culture in a cool greenhouse or sunny windowsill, where its unique flowers can be appreciated up close and kept dry during dormancy. Plant bulbs in gritty, fast-draining soil and provide full sun and minimal water during summer dormancy.
Hardy only to about USDA Zone 9 (to 20–25°F / -4 to -6°C) and intolerant of prolonged freezing or wet soils in winter. I have found that one way around the long winter wet soil issue here in the NW is to plant them out in late winter instead of fall. In colder regions, lift and store bulbs dry after foliage dies back or grow under frost-free cover. A superb and unusual species for collectors and lovers of South African bulbs.
Photo courtesy of James Shao
A mesmerizing and rare species from the arid winter-rainfall regions of South Africa’s Northern and Western A rare and arresting member of the iris family, Ferraria schaferi is native to the arid winter-rainfall regions of South Africa, where it grows in well-drained, sandy soils among rocky outcrops. Its fascinating flowers are intricate and spidery in form, typically a rich mix of chocolate, olive, and ochre hues with ruffled edges and a distinctively exotic appearance. Blooming in late winter to early spring, each flower lasts only a day or two, but the plant produces a succession over several weeks.
In cultivation in the U.S., Ferraria schaferi performs best in Mediterranean climates such as coastal California, where it can be grown outdoors year-round. Elsewhere, it is best suited to pot culture in a cool greenhouse or sunny windowsill, where its unique flowers can be appreciated up close and kept dry during dormancy. Plant bulbs in gritty, fast-draining soil and provide full sun and minimal water during summer dormancy.
Hardy only to about USDA Zone 9 (to 20–25°F / -4 to -6°C) and intolerant of prolonged freezing or wet soils in winter. I have found that one way around the long winter wet soil issue here in the NW is to plant them out in late winter instead of fall. In colder regions, lift and store bulbs dry after foliage dies back or grow under frost-free cover. A superb and unusual species for collectors and lovers of South African bulbs.
Photo courtesy of James Shao
