Moraea bicolor   
Fortnight lily   
Iridaceae Family     

Form: bunching upright grass
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: 1-1.5ft tall, clump spread to 2ft
Leaves: bright green narrow leaf with pronounced midrib, less than 1/2in wide
Flowers: on spikes 1.5 to 2ft above leaves; solitary 4-petaled flowers; predominately yellow with magenta flecks at base; bloom in late spring or early summer; plant may send up additional spikes at 2- week intervals
Fruit: not significant

leaf on Moraea bicolor note thick midrib

Stems/Trunks: n/a
Range/Origin:
Hardiness: leaf tips sensitive to damage at 32°F; roots thought to be hardy to mid-teens

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• accent plant
• tropical effect, adds texture
• good in containers
• good near living areas, ponds, and pools

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full sun, best when protected from full afternoon sun, e.g. in eastern exposure
• Water: moderate to high; at least 2 irrigations per week
• Soil: best in amended
• Propagation: divisions, seed
• Maintenance: minimal

young clump of Moraea bicolor

NOTES:

removing stalks with spent flowers will encourage another flush of blooming

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This page was first created August 15, 2001 and last modified May 31, 2004.

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Web page design and photographs by Toni Moore, Master Gardener
email to: tmoore1@flash.net

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