Iridaceae - Botanical Family

Lapeirousia arenicola (Lapeirousia ) is a small shrub, growing 2 to 5 feet in height and width. This native of South Africa can tolerate full sun, as well as heat and drought. This drought tolerant shrub thrives in USDA Zones 9-11 and can survive temporary, light frosts in protected areas.

When establishing this low-maintenance shrub, water only once very week or twice a month during its first year. Be sure to water the plant when the top several inches of soil is dry, as this species does not tolerate standing water. During the first season also apply an all-purpose fertilizer one every two months to promote strong root growth.

This short shrub produces light pink flowers in the summer months boasting a deep red spot at the base of each petal. Once established, Lapeirousia arenicola provides years of easy-care beauty with very little upkeep. In cold regions, it is best to limit gardening to indoor containers or remaining planted in its pot outdoors. Make sure to shelter it from harsh winter temperatures, as it is not a frost-hardy species. During dormancy keep plants rather dry

Enjoy full sun by placing your Lapeirousia arenicola in a warm sheltered spot in the garden and give it moderate water. It prefers dry soils after a heavy threshold of initial watering in order to establish its roots. Too much water will lead to root rot. With the right balance, you will have a blooming, beautiful plant for the sunny days of summer.

This species was discovered in Brazil near the ocean in shady sandy soil, so it is salt tolerant. Plants will grow in full sun but foliage color is best in light shade; water regularly. The best specimens seem to be in moist, well drained soil in locations with morning sun and some shade in the afternoon. Their fertilizer requirements are modest. Clumps may be divided but propagation from fresh seed is easy and fairly fast. Plants mature to flowering size from seed in less than a year. Cold hardy only to about 30F.

Variety Regina was introduced by Sid Gardino, and named after his wife, Regina.

This beauty thrives in shady spots and sandy soil, making it perfect for gardens near the coast, thanks to its salt tolerance.

With its elegant blue-violet blooms and sword-like leaves, Iris Regina adds a splash of tropical charm to your garden, all while asking for very little in return. It's the kind of plant that makes your garden look fabulous without breaking a sweat!

It has short lived ivory flowers with reddish-brown transverse bars on the claw. The delicate flowers last only a day but the plant continues to form new blooms for long periods of time during late spring months. Makes also an excellent houseplant. This is not a water Iris, be careful not to overwater. Neomarica gracilis is a type of walking Iris. Once the flower is spent, the stem that it was born on lays to the ground and from that a new plant is formed. For that reason it is said to be walking across your garden. You can divide plants and plant them in new locations.

Neomarica gracilis grows best in moist, well-draining soil in areas with light to full shade but will also tolerate some sun as long as they receive adequate moisture.

Rhizomatous perennial with showy flowers. This plant can be used indoors as a lucky bamboo or lucky mangrove. It is a unique plant since it tolerates both drought and flooding, so it can be grown in a container with water, terrarium, aquarium or just a small dish. It tolerates full shade as well, thus can be kept in low light conditions as a house plant. It can grow in neglect in a glass of water for years! If planted oudoors, the plant blooms all year, but is at it's best in Spring thru Autumn. It stays green all year and grows up to 2-3 feet. Should be planted in grassy clumps in zone 9 or above. Flowers are yellow with mottled brown spots. Each flower lasts only one day, but another flower will takes it's place the following day. Plant in part shade, especially in hot Summer days. After flowering this plant makes many off-set plant "pups" with air roots to be replanted, or allow them to replant themselves. Can be easily propagated from a small off-set. Neomarica literally signifies the change of seasons. Typically a late- winter bloomer, some Neomaricas flower successively well into springtime. Once the flowering has finished, young plants grow up next to the spent bloom. The weight of the new growth carries the flowering stem to the ground. In a natural environment, the plants will root into the ground and start a new plant. In time, large clumps will spread in every direction, and the plant has literally "walked" its way into a new existence. However, as a potted specimen they will not form new plants, but will remain as beautiful contained specimens.

Nivenia binata, also known as Nivenia, is a large shrub or small tree native to South Africa. It is an evergreen shrub that grows to a height of 5-10 ft tall with a dense, bushy growth habit. Its thick leaves are sword-shaped and arranged in a fan, giving the shrub an attractive, feathery appearance. The foliage is dark green and glossy, with the undersides a silvery-gray.

Nivenia grows best in full sun, and requires moderate amounts of water for optimal growth. In cooler climates, the shrub does best in a container, where it can be brought indoors during winter. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.

The shrub produces a profusion of small, tubular-shaped flowers in shades of blue, lavender, and purple, which are borne in clusters along the stems. The blooms are borne in late winter and early spring, and they attract a wide variety of pollinating insects. In summer and fall, the plant produces small berries, which are favored by birds.

In areas where Nivenia is hardy, it is easy to grow. In colder areas, however, the plant should be kept in a container and brought indoors during winter. The soil should be well-drained but moist, and fertilized lightly once a year. Prune back the shrub in late winter or early spring to maintain a neat, compact shape. It is also necessary to deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

Sisyrinchium sp. or Blue-eyed Grass typically reaches 2-5 feet tall and prefers to be planted in a sunny location with regular waterings. These plants feature white, off-white, blue, lavender, and purple flowers. Some varieties will even produce yellow or orange flowers.

Sisyrinchium sp.can be grown in USDA Zones 4-9. In colder regions, it is best to plant Sisyrinchium sp.in pots and bring it indoors during the coldest parts of winter.

When caring for this plant, it is important to give the plants plenty of sun and water regularly. If grown in a pot, they should be planted in a well-draining potting soil and should be given more frequent watering than if grown in the ground as the soil will tend to be more moist. They should be fertilized once every few months with a balanced fertilizer,.

The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Tritoniopsis antholyza is a small shrub that can range in height from 2-5 ft. This shrub prefers full sun and should be planted in well-draining soil. It will do best with moderate water, but can tolerate some drought. The plant is perfect for adding color to a garden and its flowers are sure to attract the attention of butterflies and hummingbirds.

Tritoniopsis antholyza is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 and is native to South Africa. This plant is deciduous, which means that it will lose its leaves in the fall and winter. When grown in mild climates, it can be planted in the ground. In colder regions, it is best to grow Tritoniopsis antholyza in a pot, so it can be moved indoors when cooler temperatures arrive. This plant needs to be brought into a cool, sunny location and watered regularly to keep it healthy. With proper planting and care, the Mountain Pipes will thrive and be a beautiful addition to your garden.

The genus is named after Sir William Watson, a British botanist.

There are 52 species in southern Africa; all are perennial herbs growing from corms and producing erect spikes of showy flowers, and are adapted to a mediterranean-type climate.

The commonest species in cultivation is the pink-flowered W. borbonica and its white mutant 'Arderne's White'. These were crossed with W. meriana and other species in the early 20th century by breeders including John Cronin in Australia and Luther Burbank in California to produce a wide range of cultivars.

Watsonia is tough and easy to grow, with a long flowering period. It does best in full sun in well-drained, well-composted soil and although adapted to a winter rainfall climate, will thrive under summer rainfall conditions provided it is grown in well-drained soil. It can withstand mild winter frost but should be lifted and stored dry during winter in cold climates. After flowering, the leaves and stems can be cut back. Stop watering pot-grown specimens and if necessary, move them to a cool, dry place for the rest of the dormant period. To avoid overcrowding and to get the most flowers, clumps are best lifted and divided every three to five years.

Suitable for any size of garden and ideal for the water-wise winter rainfall garden, Watsonia looks magnificent in mass plantings, planted in clumps in herbaceous borders and grown in large containers. Even when not in flower, its foliage is decorative and after flowering has finished, its purplish stems and seed capsules are also attractive.

Watsonia produces offsets (daughter corms) abundantly, and the easiest method of propagation is by division.