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(Aristea capitata)
Blue Sceptre (Aristea capitata)
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Jeremy Gilmore
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jeremy Gilmore
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jeremy Gilmore | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jeremy Gilmore | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-12-14T09:19-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aristea capitata, commonly known as Blue Sceptre, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the fynbos and grasslands of the Western Cape in South Africa. It can reach a height of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) and a spread of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters). The plant forms clumps of stiff, sword-shaped leaves and bears striking, deep blue flowers atop tall stems in the summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers’ vivid blue hue is particularly showy and can add a splash of color to any garden setting.
Blue Sceptre is valued for its drought tolerance once established and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It is often used in ornamental gardens for its striking flowers and architectural foliage, and it can also be planted in mass for a dramatic effect in borders or as a focal point in mixed beds. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Gardeners should be aware that Aristea capitata requires protection from frost and may need to be grown in containers in colder regions. It is generally pest-free but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Blue Sceptre is valued for its drought tolerance once established and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It is often used in ornamental gardens for its striking flowers and architectural foliage, and it can also be planted in mass for a dramatic effect in borders or as a focal point in mixed beds. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Gardeners should be aware that Aristea capitata requires protection from frost and may need to be grown in containers in colder regions. It is generally pest-free but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2.5-5 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Fynbos and grasslands of the Western Cape in South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Blue Scepter, BlousuurkanolÂ
Scientific Names: , Aristea major, Aristea capitata, Aristea bracteata, Aristea caerulea, Aristea thyrsiflora, Anomatheca capitata, Aristea spicata, Gladiolus capitatus, Ixia thyrsiflora
GBIF Accepted Name: Aristea capitata (L.) Ker Gawl.