MORAEA bicolor, iridioides. See Dietes.
MORAEA. South Africa. The plants which properly belong to this group of iris allies, botanists tell us, are cormous perennials—not the rhizomatous, evergreen species (see above). Typically these have erect to arching, grassy leaves and colorful iris-like blossoms on branched stems. Sun, reasonably well drained soil, moderate watering during growth and bloom. Dormant seasons vary. The following should be hardy to around 15oF.
polystachya. In this species erect, nearly cylindrical 1-2’ leaves appear from the corms in late summer, followed by taller branched flower stems. These display many 1½" to 2" blossoms, bright lavender marked with gold, throughout the fall and early winter.
ramosissima. One of the larger species, with shiny, rather floppy leaves, up to 2' long. The flower stems appear in mid-spring, rising 2' or more and branching repeatedly to display many 2" bright yellow blossoms in lengthy succession.
spathacea (spathulata). A robust species, with thick, channeled leaves which stand erect, up to 2' high. The flowering stems are somewhat shorter and display 2-3" blossoms, one at a time. The flowers are bright yellow with purple markings near the base. Spring blooming.
tripetala. A low plant with reclining, almost thread-like leaves, appearing in fall. In spring it displays many 1" lavender blossoms on 3-6" stems.