Orthosanthos laxis

Description

Orthrosanthus laxus

Orthrosanthus laxus, sometimes known as morning iris, is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial reaching around 30-40cm in height, with a spread of roughly 30cm. It produces narrow, grass-like, iris-type leaves arising from short, woody rhizomes, giving the plant a neat, upright, tufted habit that works well in a sunny border.

From late spring into early summer, wiry, branching stems carry pale violet-blue, saucer-shaped flowers that open in succession over several weeks, each bloom short-lived but continually renewed, giving a long season of interest. It is well suited to rockeries, edging or the front of a border.

Cultivation is straightforward: grow in light, well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or very light shade. It is drought-tolerant once established, though in colder gardens a sheltered spot or container cultivation under glass over winter is advisable. Water moderately when in growth and keep nearly dry while dormant.