Patersonia fragilis
Short Purple-flag
Tufted tussocky perennial herb spreading from underground stems.
Additional information
- FamilyIridaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size20-60 cm x 40 cm
- Plant groupingLilies & Irises
- LeavesNarrow, grooved slightly bluish leaves 20-60 cm x 1-6 mm, round in cross section, tip pointed.
- Flower colourDeep purple
- Flowering timeSeptember to January
- FlowersTerminal clusters of 2-6 flowers, 3 outer lobes larger and spreading, 3 inner lobes small, erect. Stems shorter than leaves. Flower clusters surrounded by 2 green to pale brown bracts.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsMoist light soils tolerating swampy conditions for short periods. Moist heathland and open woodland. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
- Garden useAn attractive plant for rockeries, water features and bog gardens. Flowers open in the morning and close up by early afternoon.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Richard Hartland ©; 2 Lorraine Phelan, NatureShare ©; 3, 4 Peter Kinchington ©
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