Moraea huttonii (Peacock lily)

Botanical name

Moraea huttonii

Other names

Peacock lily, African iris, Butterfly iris

Genus

Moraea Moraea

Species

M. huttonii - M. huttonii is a clump-forming, cormous perennial with erect to arching, linear, flat of chennelled, grey-green leaves and fragrant, brown-marked, iris-like, golden-yellow flowers from spring to early summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Arching, Clump-forming, Erect

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Colour

Flower

Golden-yellow in Spring; Golden-yellow in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Cut back leaves only after they have completely died down.

Propagation

Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or separate offsets when dormant.

Propagation methods

Seed, Offsets

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Moraea huttonii (Peacock lily) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.25m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Wallside and trellises, Rock, Greenhouse, Cottage/Informal, Containers, City, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Plant corms 7cm deep in autumn or spring in humus-rich, well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun with some midday shade. Avoid excessive winter wet. Grow under glass or overwinter indoors in areas with severe frosts. Mulch in winter in cold areas.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Moraea huttonii (Peacock lily)

Common pest name

common blossom thrips; cotton bud thrips; tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Frankliniella schultzei

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous glasshouse pest; present in many countries; single finding in UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/