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Aristea spp.
blue brilliant
Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, centered in the Cape region
Overview
Aristea spp. is a genus of about 50 species of evergreen, rhizomatous perennials in the iris family Iridaceae, native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Plants form fans or tufts of stiff, sword-shaped leaves arranged in one plane, 8 in to 5 ft (20-150 cm) tall depending on species. Branched or spike-like flower stems carry many small flowers, most often in clear blue but white or mauve in some species, each bloom 0.5-1.2 in (1.3-3 cm) across with six spreading segments. Individual flowers usually open in the morning and close or fade by the same afternoon, with new buds opening over a long flowering period in spring and summer. The genus grows in fynbos, grassland, forest margins, and moist mountain slopes, where A. ecklonii and A. capitata are among the larger, more widely grown species. Most species spread slowly into clumps from short rhizomes. The blue flowers draw bees and other insects. Plants are generally frost-sensitive, suited to USDA zones 9 to 11, though a few montane species tolerate light frost.
Native Range
Aristea spp. is native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, with the greatest concentration of species in the Cape region of South Africa. Plants occur in fynbos, grassland, forest edges, and damp mountain slopes.Suggested Uses
Aristea spp. species are planted in borders, rock gardens, and naturalistic plantings in mild climates, and the blue flowers suit pollinator gardens. Larger species are grown in moist meadow and water-margin settings. In cold regions the genus is grown in containers moved under cover for winter.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Aristea spp. species grow in full sun to light shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH near 5.5 to 6.5. They grow in sandy or loamy ground with added organic matter and steady moisture during the growing season. Most species are frost-sensitive and grow outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11; in colder areas they are kept in containers and sheltered over winter. Evergreen foliage holds through mild winters but is marked by hard frost. Clumps can be lifted and divided in spring, though plants settle slowly after division. Some species self-sow where conditions suit them.Pruning
Spent flower stems are cut back after blooming to tidy the clump and limit self-seeding. Damaged or frost-marked leaves are trimmed at the base in spring. No other regular pruning is needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons