Romulea ramiflora is a graceful, early-spring blooming cormous plant in the iris family, producing slender, branched stems topped with starry, lilac to pale violet flowers, often featuring a bright yellow or white throat. Its delicate appearance belies its adaptability and resilience, making it a rewarding addition to specialty bulb collections and Mediterranean-style gardens.
This species is native to the central and eastern Mediterranean region, including southern Italy, Greece, the Aegean islands, and parts of western Turkey. It grows naturally in dry, open habitats such as grassy slopes, rocky hillsides, and fields, often on calcareous or sandy soils. It is well-adapted to climates with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.
In cultivation, Romulea ramiflora performs best in full sun with sharply-drained soil and minimal summer moisture. It is ideal for containers, alpine troughs, and rock gardens. Plants enter growth in autumn, bloom in late winter to early spring, and go dormant in early summer. During the growing season, regular but light watering is beneficial, while dry conditions should be maintained during dormancy. Typical height is 4–8 inches (10–20 cm).
Hardy to USDA Zones 9–11, this species can be overwintered outdoors in frost-free areas or grown under cover in cooler regions. It’s a perfect choice for bulb enthusiasts and those seeking uncommon, Mediterranean wildflowers for seasonal color and texture.
Romulea ramiflora is a graceful, early-spring blooming cormous plant in the iris family, producing slender, branched stems topped with starry, lilac to pale violet flowers, often featuring a bright yellow or white throat. Its delicate appearance belies its adaptability and resilience, making it a rewarding addition to specialty bulb collections and Mediterranean-style gardens.
This species is native to the central and eastern Mediterranean region, including southern Italy, Greece, the Aegean islands, and parts of western Turkey. It grows naturally in dry, open habitats such as grassy slopes, rocky hillsides, and fields, often on calcareous or sandy soils. It is well-adapted to climates with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.
In cultivation, Romulea ramiflora performs best in full sun with sharply-drained soil and minimal summer moisture. It is ideal for containers, alpine troughs, and rock gardens. Plants enter growth in autumn, bloom in late winter to early spring, and go dormant in early summer. During the growing season, regular but light watering is beneficial, while dry conditions should be maintained during dormancy. Typical height is 4–8 inches (10–20 cm).
Hardy to USDA Zones 9–11, this species can be overwintered outdoors in frost-free areas or grown under cover in cooler regions. It’s a perfect choice for bulb enthusiasts and those seeking uncommon, Mediterranean wildflowers for seasonal color and texture.
