Scientific Name
Ferraria divaricata Sweet
Synonym(s)
Ferraria divaricata subsp. divaricata, Ferraria fimbriata
Scientific Classification
Family: Iridaceae
Subfamily: Iridoideae
Tribe: Irideae
Genus: Ferraria
Flower
Color: Yellow and brown
Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
Description
Ferraria divaricata is a flowering plant that grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall. It develops an aerial stem which is usually extensively branched in the upper half. Flowers are star-shaped, up to 2 inches (5 cm) across, with intensely crinkled edges and erect, hair-like tufts in the center. They last only one day.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 15 °F (−9.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Ferrarias are easy bulbs to grow. These plants prefer to be located in the sun or semi-shade in loamy, well-drained soil just beneath the surface (1-2 inches/2.5-5 cm). Plants in too much shade will fail to bloom and will eventually die out. The rarer species are generally best grown in pots or containers.
The care of Ferrarias don't require too much either. Once their spring flowering has completed, the foliage will slowly begin to fade, and the Ferraria flowers go dormant in summer. During this time, all watering should be limited.
Bring any container-grown plants indoors for overwintering and provide a generous amount of mulch for winter protection to those growing outdoors.
Established Ferraria plants will produce large clumps each year. These can be easily divided in the spring when overcrowding becomes a problem or if additional plants are desired elsewhere in the garden.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Ferraria.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Ferraria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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