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
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
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.