Painted Petals Lapeirousia

Painted Petals is a genus of small, flowering, plants in the iris family, usually not more than 2 feet high, and native to southern Africa. They are typically grown as perennials in USDA zones 8 to 10, but as half-hardy annuals in cooler climates. There are about 26 species of plants identified as belonging to this genus, many of which are found in the cape provinces of South Africa. They are cormous plants, meaning that they grow and spread by means of underground tubers. Depending on species, the flowers come in many colors, but most are small, fragrant, and bloom in early summer.

Painted Petals prefer full sun or afternoon sun and well-drained, sandy, acidic soil. The plants will tolerate poor soil and dry conditions. They should be well-watered in the spring and summer.

The root stock is a bell-shaped or triangular corm with a flat base of woody or densely compacted fibers. You should plant corms to a depth of 2 inches (5 cm) and space 6 inches apart, or 6 per 6-inch pot. Because the plant's native environment is dry and inhospitable, corms can remain underground during bad years waiting for a more favorable environment to grow. Thus, corms should be left undisturbed and repotting every year is not recommended. However, once established, they can be transplanted in the early spring and should be divided every three years to maintain a vigorous growth.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.