Category Archives: Iridaceae

Hesperantha coccinea, river lily

Family: Iridaceae

Description

This Iris relative has characteristic equitant (two-dimensional) leaves that support a striking succession of flowers. Usually coral in color, these flowers tend to bloom from October-December. Stems arise from tuberous rhizomes and can be aggressive in wet areas.

Growing conditions:

This species is water loving and will thrive in wet, rich soil. It is a zone 8 tender plant. Planting in higher elevations can prevent this species from getting too aggressive.

Suitable uses:

Hesperantha coccinea is easily propagated and useful for fall flowering interest. It can be planted near a pond or saturated area.

CC Image courtesy of peganum on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of Max Davies on Flickr

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Lucifer montbretia

Family: Iridaceae

Description

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is easily recognizable for its robust, broad leaves and succession of dark red tubular flowers. This fast growing perennial can become quite large with a tendency to flop over and obliterate smaller plants. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, or even small birds that can be supported by resilient stems. Though it is fairly late to leaf out in spring, by mid-late august it will die completely to the ground.

Growing conditions:

This species thrives in full-part sun with rich, well-drained soil. To limit extreme vigor, it is better behaved in very dry soils.

Suitable uses:

As the darkest and largest of all Crocosmia species, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ adds striking drama and texture in the landscape. It can be used in a border, with consideration to its scale and vigor. It is best to keep away from delicate plants that are easily out-shaded or trampled.

CC Image courtesy of dbarronoss on Flickr

      CC Image courtesy of       Granville Stout on Flickr

Dierama pulchellum, angel’s fishing rod

Family: Iridaceae

Description

This perennial is notable for its delicate weeping form with bell-shaped fuchsia flowers that hang down. Characteristic of the Iridaceae family, these plants have leaves that emerge in a two-dimensional plane. Flowers are gimbaled, or materialize on their own stalks, with persistent silvery/brown bracts.

Growing conditions:

This is a zone 8 tender plant, and should not be grown at high elevations. It is happiest in well-drained soil that does not have organic matter on the soil surface. It is more robust in rich soil.

Suitable uses:

Dierama pulchellum adds movement to the landscape and is particularly lovely fluttering in the wind. It is best in a more open planting, without too much crowding. It works well on a slope in the sun, or next to a building where it receives reflected heat. Grasses can be an attractive complement to this species.

    CC Image courtesy of James Gaither on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of Lotus Johnson on Flickr

Iris ensata, Japanese iris

Family: Iridaceae

Description:

Like many iris species, Iris ensata flowers are comprised of 3 large, flopping petals. This particular species ranges in color from deep purple to light lavender. Leaves are flat, arranged two-dimensionally, and compressed laterally. A yellow nectar guide attracts a variety of pollinators and the large petals offer a landing pad for butterflies. Growth is rhizomatous and form in dense clumps.

Growing conditions:

Iris ensata is a moisture loving plant that prefers rich, humus soil. Full or part-sun is desirable.

Suitable uses:

This species works well near a pond, in a perennial border, or for cut flower cultivation.

CC Image courtesy of autan on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) on Flickr