Orthrosanthus multiflorus

Common Name:
Morning Iris

Description:
Orthrosanthus multiflorus, commonly known as Morning Iris, is a graceful and hardy Australian native perennial valued for its strappy foliage and masses of delicate blue to violet flowers. Belonging to the iris family (Iridaceae), this clumping plant forms tidy, grass-like tufts that create a soft, flowing look in the garden. In spring and early summer, it produces numerous starry flowers on wiry stems that open in the morning and typically fade by the afternoon—hence the name "Morning Iris." Though each bloom is short-lived, the plant flowers in succession, offering a long-lasting display. Native to southern parts of Australia, including Western Australia, it performs well in Melbourne's climate, thriving in well-drained soils and sunny to lightly shaded locations. Morning Iris is drought-tolerant once established and is excellent for borders, native gardens, rockeries, or mass plantings. It’s especially effective in naturalistic plantings where movement and seasonal colour are desired.

Form:
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
*Ground Cover

Mature Size:
*Height: 30–60 cm
*Width: 30–60 cm

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Spring
*Flowers in Early Summer

Flower Colour:
*Blue
*Violet

Key Attributes:
*Australian native
*Suitable for Pots
*Drought Tolerant
*Frost Tolerant
*Perennial
*Herbaceous
*Low Maintenance
*Suitable for Borders
*Suitable for Rockeries
*Bee Attracting
*Seasonal Flowering Display

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to humans
*Non-toxic to pets

Companion Plants:
*Dianella revoluta
*Patersonia occidentalis
*Chrysocephalum apiculatum
*Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
*Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass)