Patersonia occidentalis
A tender evergreen perennial, forming tufts of grass-like, linear basal leaves to 40cm long. Small, three-petaled purple or deep blue flowers are borne on slender stems in late spring and early summer; though the flowers are short-lived, they are produced successionally, sometimes for several weeks
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, may be grown outdoors in light, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; may tolerate occasional light frosts where drainage is excellent. In colder areas, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 15-18°C, or by division in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.