An architectual;semi-evergreen fern with the most exquisite arching leaves. The crisped pinnae fan out across each other with small terminal and side crests. Dwarf in nature it is perfect for adding a burst burst of colour to shady areas of the garden;rockeries;ground cover under trees or on your hedge banks.
A bloom that is so exotic looking that is almost resembles a beautiful sea creature from a coral reef, Ferraria crispa 'Starfish Lily' is an amazing, but easy to grow bulb. Ideally planted in a sheltered spot, free of frost, or alternatively, grown in a pot in a greenhouse or conservatory this out of this world plant will produce its foliage in late autumn, developing thick, fleshy leaves in preparation for the flowers that will appear in spring. The blooms, once they have fully developed, have brown frilled edges, brown and purple spots of colour and a striking orange anthers, a real kaleidoscope! If you want to grow something out of the ordinary this year, then this is the plant for you!
This strange and fascinating member of the Iris family looks as though it would be at home in an aquarium! Growing from a small corm, flesh sword like leaves appear in early summer followed by the intricately beautiful fragrant flowers borne on 40cm stems. As a half hardy plant Ferraria is best grown in a pot - it like good drainage so mix 30% coarse sand with your compost. Flowers appear in spring and early summer after which the pot can be left to dry as bulbs become dormant. At the end of summer lift and replant - you'll find the bulbs multiply from year to year so you'll soon have a plentiful crop of this rare beauty!