Orthrosanthus multiflorus (Australian morning flower)

Botanical name

Orthrosanthus multiflorus

Other names

Australian morning flower, Australian morning flag, Australian morning iris

Genus

Orthrosanthus Orthrosanthus

Species

O. multiflorus - O. multiflorus is a tender, clump-forming, rhizomatous, evergreen perennial with linear, rigid, mid- to dark green leaves and upright stems bearing narrow panicles of open saucer-shaped, pale blue to violet-blue flowers from late spring into summer.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Clump-forming, Erect flower stem, Upright

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Colour

Flower

Violet, Pale-blue in Spring; Pale-blue, Violet in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Diseases

Generally disease free, but a virus disease may be a problem.

General care

Pruning

Remove unsightly leaves in spring.

Propagation

Divide in spring. Sow seed at 13-18C in spring.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Orthrosanthus multiflorus (Australian morning flower) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.3m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Conservatory, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Greenhouse, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in loam-based compost with added sharp sand and leaf mould in full light. Outdoors in frost-free areas, grow in light, fertile, moist but well-drained soil, preferably in partial shade. Tolerates sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

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

Indoor unheated (H2), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Orthrosanthus multiflorus (Australian morning flower)

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/