Ferraria crispa
curled ferraria
A tender, cormous perennial to 45cm tall, producing linear, stem-clasping leaves to 25cm long. In spring it produces upward-facing, wavy-petalled, green or cream-coloured, unpleasant-smelling flowers, to 5cm across, spotted with purple and brown. Best suited to a temperate greenhouse
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Green Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant corms 15cm deep in autumn. Under glass, plant directly into a greenhouse border or in deep containers of peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit. During growth in winter, water moderately, keep in full light and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep dry in summer
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 6-12°C in summer or autumn, separate offsets from dormant parent corms
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Conservatory and greenhouse
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.