Caesia spp.
Australia, with some species in southern Africa and Madagascar
Overview
Caesia spp. is a genus of around eleven tufted perennial herbs in the family Asphodelaceae, most native to Australia with a few species in southern Africa and Madagascar. Plants grow from a short rhizome or cluster of tubers, forming a tuft of narrow, grass-like basal leaves 4-16 in (10-40 cm) long. In spring and early summer wiry, branched flowering stems 8-24 in (20-60 cm) tall carry many small star-shaped flowers, usually blue to violet but white in some species, each with six tepals that spiral and twist together as the flower fades. The genus grows in seasonally moist grassland, heath, and open woodland on a range of soils, dying back or resting through the dry season. In cultivation it takes full sun to light shade, moderate moisture in spring, and drainage that prevents winter waterlogging. The slender flowering stems and short individual flower life suit native grassland and meadow-style plantings rather than dense border display. Plants are frost-tolerant in mild-winter areas and spread slowly into small clumps.
Native Range
Caesia spp. occurs mainly across Australia, in all mainland states, with a small number of species in southern Africa and Madagascar. The genus grows in seasonally moist grassland, heath, and open woodland on sandy to loamy soils.Suggested Uses
Used in native grassland and meadow plantings, rockeries, and containers, where the blue spring flowers rise above grassy foliage. Suited to low-water and seasonal gardens on free-draining soil. Spaced 6-10 in (15-25 cm) apart in groups.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Across the genus, small blue to violet star flowers open in spring and early summer, mainly September to December, scattered along wiry branched stems. Each flower is short-lived, and the tepals twist together as it finishes. Many flowers open in succession over several weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue to violet, sometimes whiteFoliage Description
green to grey-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
Grow in full sun to light shade on free-draining sandy or loamy soil with moisture through winter and spring. Sharp drainage matters most in winter, as the rhizomes and tubers rot in cold, wet ground. Water through the growing season, then ease off as plants rest in the dry months. Lift and divide established clumps when dormant, or raise plants from seed. Feeding is rarely needed on the lean soils the genus prefers, and excess feeding produces soft growth.Pruning
No real pruning is needed. Remove spent flowering stems after seed sets, unless self-seeding is wanted. Tidy old or yellowing leaves as the plant rests in the dry season.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons