Home » Plants & Animals » Alpines and Bulbs » Moraea - Part 2

Moraea - Part 2

© Gary Buckley

Moraea are becoming better known than they were several years ago, however; when a source is found, the cost is still often exorbitant. Speaking of exorditant, the growing trend at least here in Australia, of growers charging for their plant lists is disturbing. The cost of producing their catalogues is part of their business and is Tax Deductable in full for them!

Given that Moraea seed germinates quickly and that flowers generally can be expected from the second year of sowing, then growing from seed, to me, is the way forward for your collections.

Harp, just one; growing from seed affords you the best chance for your climate zone, wherever you might live, wherever you decide to plant, be it pot or scree or open ground.

Some yellows to grow:

Moraea bituminum can be 25-50cm tall. Flowers on this are bright yellow.This generally flowers late spring and can even be seen flowering into mid December; here. Coming from a high rainfall region, it tolerates water better than most; but still needs good drainage.

Moraea elsia can be 20-40cm tall. This species responds well to having more sand in the growing medium than most do. In habitat this is found growing on sandy lowland flats. Flowering time November to December. Another clear bright yellow flowerer with darker yellow nectar guides.

Moraea inconspicua plants of this grow to 45 cm tall. This is a very widespread species from the winter rainfall areas of South Africa. The somewhat inconspicuous often dull yellow flower on this look swell. Depending on your seed source, the flowers on this can vary from dull cream yellow to even a soft brown yellow, this is natural variation; so don't get cross with your supplier. This begins flowering here in early September and continues flowering to late December. (sometimes, depending on the year's mood, this will even flower in late August and right on into January the following year.) Now is this stamina or what!)

Moraea Anomala another medium size grower to around 40cm tall. Flowers are a good pale yellow having distinct darker nectar guides. This generally has red pollen, although the world authority on Iridaceae, Dr Peter Goldblatt reports the pollen can be sometimes yellow too.

Moraea neglecta named because for many years this species was neglected as a seperate species. Plants to 40cm high. Flowers are of a good deep yellow with tiny dark spots on the nectar guide. This flowers from early September

The copyright of the article Moraea - Part 2 in Alpines and Bulbs is owned by . Permission to republish Moraea - Part 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.