A striking South African bulb from the winter-rainfall region of the Western Cape, Moraea bellendenii is a tall, graceful species with brilliant yellow, iris-like flowers borne in succession on wiry, branched stems. Each bloom is short-lived, but the succession of flowers over weeks in late spring to early summer makes for a showy and charismatic display. The narrow, grassy foliage begins to wither as the plant enters dormancy with summer heat.
Well-suited to dry, Mediterranean-style gardens, rock gardens, and container culture, this species thrives in full sun with excellent drainage and dry summer dormancy. In areas with wet summers, lift the corms after the foliage dies back or grow in pots under cover. Hardy to around 20degrees F. When kept dry, roughly USDA Zone 9. It has survived 12 degrees F. here in a pot in an unheated greenhouse, worth a try where you can give it some protection if you are in a cold climate.
The clear yellow flowers, with their flaring outer tepals and dark central eye, give this species an elegant presence, and its ease of growth from seed adds to its appeal for collectors and botanical gardeners alike. A must-have for lovers of South African flora.
Photo courtesy of Mary Sue Ittner
A striking South African bulb from the winter-rainfall region of the Western Cape, Moraea bellendenii is a tall, graceful species with brilliant yellow, iris-like flowers borne in succession on wiry, branched stems. Each bloom is short-lived, but the succession of flowers over weeks in late spring to early summer makes for a showy and charismatic display. The narrow, grassy foliage begins to wither as the plant enters dormancy with summer heat.
Well-suited to dry, Mediterranean-style gardens, rock gardens, and container culture, this species thrives in full sun with excellent drainage and dry summer dormancy. In areas with wet summers, lift the corms after the foliage dies back or grow in pots under cover. Hardy to around 20degrees F. When kept dry, roughly USDA Zone 9. It has survived 12 degrees F. here in a pot in an unheated greenhouse, worth a try where you can give it some protection if you are in a cold climate.
The clear yellow flowers, with their flaring outer tepals and dark central eye, give this species an elegant presence, and its ease of growth from seed adds to its appeal for collectors and botanical gardeners alike. A must-have for lovers of South African flora.
Photo courtesy of Mary Sue Ittner
