ARISTEA. South Africa. These are boldly textured perennials, resembling irises when not in bloom. They form evergreen clumps with narrow, flattened dark green leaves. In late spring and summer they bear a lengthy succession of starlike, usually bright true-blue blossoms on well-branched stems. Each lasts only a day or two, but the succession is long. Sun or part shade near the coast, part shade inland, reasonably well drained soil, moderate watering. Hardiness varies.
ecklonii. This is one of the most robust of the group growing over 2' tall, with rather stout fans, well-branched flower stems and 1/2" to 3/4" blossoms. 15-20oF.
species unidentified. We lost a tiny plant known to us as A. pusilla in the freeze of 1990. Now, thanks to the adventurous spirit of the Merritt College Plant Club, we have another similar, unidentified species to offer. It grows only about 10" tall, flower stems included, and has narrow leaves and relatively large, brilliantly blue flowers. Its hardiness is not well tested; assume 20-25oF.