Onixotis triquetra

Onixotis triquetra which hails from South Africa and is also called South African Water Phlox and waterflower due to its ability to grow in damp ground. It grows well in boggy soils and on pond edges, even potted and submerged in pond during growth is suitable - the plants become dormant in summer, so if planting in a pond, grow in a pot and lift to allow the plant to dry out during dormancy, otherwise it may rot.

Onixotis is quite adaptable and will also grow in normal garden soils, becoming dry tolerant as it establishes.  Clay soils are fine as are rockery situations - it is a pretty adaptable little plant.  Plants are cold tender but we mulch to protect the corms over the winter months before it starts to regrow after summer dormancy.

Whilst this attractive plant is actually not overly fussy about where it is planted, it does need reasonable amounts of sun to thrive - they need at least six hours sun to flower at their best, so a full sun to lightly shaded position is best. Plant in a permanent position, the longer they establish the more blooms you will have. Plants clump up over time.  Whilst they do not really like to be moved, be sure to dig deeply to remove the bulbs for transplanting as if you dig to shallowly you maywell end up cutting into them!

White star like flowers cluster en masse on 60cm stems that are almost reed like in their appearance sit amidst the narrow foliage. These lovely little flowers also make good cut flowers. The flowers open from late winter/ early spring and bloom on into summer. 

This plant is infact a corm and it does set seed quite freely I have read although I have not seen this first hand here and it seems quite well behaved whereas others do report that it can be a little enthusiastic in its growth habit! 

Botanically variously known as Onixotis triquetra or Wurmbea stricta.

Perennial | Summer dormant

Height to 60cm x Clumping

Plant size PB2 | Equivalent 1.2 litres