A clump-forming perennial with strappy grass like leaves and striking purple iris-like flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Most people say each flower only lasts a day but for me I find the flowers will open and close several times across a week or more. They flower abundantly in my garden meaning you can enjoy the display for many many weeks. The flower seed heads are also quite attractive as they dry.

One of my top plants for Australian native cottage style gardens. It is neat and easy to fit in small gardens. It’s low growing habit and hardy nature also makes it ideal for your native verge.

Its striking purple flowers contrast beautifully with other grasses and perennials. Try planting it with yellow paper daisies like I do, or planted in groups among neatly cloud pruned balls of correa, midyum or saltbush would look beautiful in the spring.

A versatile and hardy plant. It has done well in light shady positions in quite heavy soil in my cool temperate garden, and is also thriving in clay loam in my sub-tropical garden when it gets consistent moisture next to a water feature. It will do just as well in dry positions I have heard. After flowering I recommend cutting off all but a few of the flower/seed heads. I have found they put a lot of energy into seed production and this can reduce flowering in the following year. Some fertiliser after flowering may also help.