Moraea collina
Cape tulip
A cormous perennial, to 40cm tall, with wiry stems and long, narrow leaves. Cup-shaped, scented, pink, peach or yellow flowers, to 7cm across, are produced in succession from spring to summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Orange Pink Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Pink Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Moraea are cormous perennials with linear, sword-shaped or rolled leaves and clusters of short-lived iris-like flowers in late spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW Cape Prov.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow at the base of a warm, sunny wall in a well-drained, humus-rich, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. Under glass grow in a peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp grit. Water sparingly when growth begins and freely in full growth. Dry off as leaves wither, to ensure a dry dormancy from mid-summer to autumn
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a coldframe in spring, or separate offsets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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