Introduction to the Flower Moraea
Moraea is a genus of flowering perennials belonging to the family Iridaceae. It is often referred to as a “thornless iris” due to its resemblance to an iris flower. Moraea is derived from the Greek goddess, Maia, and is native to Africa and the Middle East. This interesting flower has a wide variety of colors and forms, some of which are very attractive to pollinators. The genus Moraea also contains some of the rarest and most unusual species of iris, including some native to South Africa and Ethiopia.
The most notable features of Moraeas are their foliage and their stoloniferous growth habit, where the plant produces numerous underground stems that produce more stems and flower heads. This growth habit contributes to the plant’s success; they can quickly spread to form large colonies. The foilage is typically striped and very low-growing, making Moraeas ideal for ground covers. The flowers are composed of three petals, opening pink or lavender in the center and gradually fades to white as the petals age, creating a star-like effect peculiar to this genus.
In-Depth Look at Moraea
Moraeas come in a variety of colors and forms; they may be any color of the rainbow from white to yellow, from vibrant blues and purples to pink and orange. The flowers vary in size, from miniature to dwarf varieties, up to large and showy blossoms. The shapes of the flowers differ from species to species, ranging from a single or double flower to a large spidery flower, or even a bell or pitcher shape.
The foliage of Moraeas ranges from grass-like, to pleated and striped, to needle-like. Most are evergreen and foliage generally maintains a low-growing habit. When discovered growing in the wild, Moraeas can typically be found growing in fields or in clumps along the sides of roads. They are also fairly resistant to drought, making them easy to care for in the garden.
Planting and Caring for Moraea
Moraeas are best planted in areas that receives full sun, although they can also tolerate partial shade. Soil should be well-draining and amended with organic matter. During the growing season, they should be fertilized on a monthly basis to ensure optimum growth. They should also receive regular watering; a good rule of thumb is to water deeply every few weeks, and to let the soil dry out in between.
Propagation of Moraeas is done most successfully with divisions; clumps can either be dug up in the spring or divided in the fall. The individual plants can then be replanted in different locations. Moraeas tend to be quite hardy and long-lived; they can survive in almost any climate and will come back year after year.
Uses for Moraea
Moraeas are a great addition to many gardens, regardless of size. They make wonderful groundcovers or can also be planted in containers. Planted in large groups, they can also be used to create a colorful display boarder.
Depending on their growing conditions, some species of Moraeas are also quite drought tolerant, making them an excellent choice for xeriscaping. They can also be incorporated into bog gardens, rain gardens, and other areas of the garden where water is abundant.
Conclusion
Moraeas are an interesting and unique plant perfect for any garden. Their wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes make them a great choice for many design schemes. With their easy care-requirements and drought tolerance, they are also a great low-maintenance option for home gardeners. For these reasons, Moraeas are an excellent choice for any gardener looking to add a bit of exotic beauty to the garden.