Iridaceae - Botanical Family

Botanical name: Babiana sp.

Common name: Babiana

Family: Iridaceae

Subfamily: Ixioideae

Origin: South Africa

All Babianas are deciduous, either winter or summer growing. Most are winter growing. Like most other winter growing (or Mediterranean climate) irids, they start their growth cycle in autumn when the first rains fall.

The flowers are long lasting and brightly colored, and many are scented as a bonus.

Botanical name: Belamcanda chinensis

Common name: Blackberry Lily

Family: Iridaceae

Origin: SE Asia

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Close

Plant in fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Adapts to most soil types. Blackberry Lily is quite unique as it tolerates wet soils and drought conditions. The foliage looks similar to an Iris. When ripe the seed pods look like clusters of Blackberries and are useful in dried arrangements.

Botanical name: Chasmanthe aethiopica

Common name: Cobra Lily

Family: Iridaceae

Origin: South Africa

The stem is inclined with the flowering spike held almost horizontally and the flowers curving outwards in a double row along the upper side.Chasmanthe aethiopica thrives in relatively fertile, freely draining soil and will soon spread naturally through division of the corms in favourable situations. Plants are winter-growing and must be kept dry during their summer dormancy. The species does best in milder climates and is not hardy below -5 C.

Botanical names: Chasmanthe floribunda, Antholyza floribunda

Common names: Pennants, African Cornflag

Family: Iridaceae

Origin: South Africa

This small plant grows up to 2-5 feet tall and produces brilliant red and crimson-colored flowers. There are also some varieties that boast yellow and orange blooms. It is best grown in full sun and requires regular to moderate water. Sporadic pruning will promote better flowering in the spring and fall. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to any ornamental garden.

Chasmanthe floribunda (Pennants) is native to South Africa and is grown in USDA zones 10-11. However, if grown in a pot in a cold region, it is best to move the containers inside during the winter season. Potted Chasmanthe needs extra care and protection during cold weather. Make sure to provide enough water and create a warm and bright environment. The plant can also be kept in a greenhouse or conservatory where temperatures don't drop too low, even during the winter months.

It's worth the effort to grow Chasmanthe, as it is a beautiful addition to any garden. Not only will its vibrant flowers add color and life, but they will also attract butterflies and hummingbirds. With the right care this South African native will bring years of joy and enjoyment.

Botanical name: Crocosmia sp.

Common names: Coppertips, Falling Stars, Montbretia

Family: Iridaceae

Origin: South Africa

Crocosmia are a beautiful, long-lasting perennial that brings vibrant colors, and buzzing life to any garden. Crocosmia are deciduous, cormous perennials with erect, sword-shaped leaves and branched spikes of showy, funnel-shaped flowers in summer. Varieties produce blooms in a range of colors, including orange, yellow, red, crimson and vinous tones. Generally, these plants are resilient, thriving in full sun to semi-shade and tolerating a wide range of soils provided they are well-drained, with a preference for those containing loam, gravel and sand.

Crocosmia require moderate to regular watering, and benefit from fertilizer during the growth period in the spring and summer and a layer of mulch to protect corms in cooler periods. When planted in a warm, temperate climate, these hardy plants tolerate temperatures down to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit and usually bloom from October to May. However, if growing Crocosmia in colder climates, it is best to grow them in pots and bring indoors or cover during the winter, when temperatures dip into the low 20s Fahrenheit.

These vibrant plants not only restore color to gardens but also provide a home to butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. To further attract these species, ensure a sunny location and a reliable water source and adding a few mealworms.

Crocosmia can be grown in garden beds or pots; for colder regions, choose a container-grown plant and use a well-draining, sandy, loamy soil mixture. Additionally, provide plenty of sunshine, keep soil moist, and fertilize with general-purpose compost in the spring for vibrant, long-lasting blooms all season.

Botanical name: Crocus sativus

Common name: Saffron

Family: Iridaceae

Origin: Southwest Asia

The flower has three stigmas, which are the distal ends of the plant's carpels. Together with its style, the stalk connecting the stigmas to the rest of the plant, these components are often dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron also has medicinal applications.