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(Aristea ecklonii)
Blue Stars (Aristea ecklonii)
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Doug Miller
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Doug Miller
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Doug Miller | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Doug Miller | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-15T15:13:40-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aristea ecklonii, commonly known as Blue Stars, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the open grasslands, fynbos, and forest margins of Central and Southern Africa. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters). This plant features clumps of narrow, iris-like leaves and produces striking blue flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. The flowers are short-lived, often only opening for a single day, but are quite showy and can create a sea of blue when planted en masse.
Blue Stars are valued for their vibrant blue flowers and are often used in borders, rock gardens, and as container plants. They are relatively low maintenance, requiring well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. While they can tolerate dry conditions, they perform best with regular watering during the growing season. In regions with heavy clay soils, incorporating organic matter to improve drainage is beneficial. There are no major disease or pest issues, but it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Blue Stars are valued for their vibrant blue flowers and are often used in borders, rock gardens, and as container plants. They are relatively low maintenance, requiring well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. While they can tolerate dry conditions, they perform best with regular watering during the growing season. In regions with heavy clay soils, incorporating organic matter to improve drainage is beneficial. There are no major disease or pest issues, but it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open grasslands, fynbos, and forest margins in Central and Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Blue Flies, Blue-Eyed Iris, Blue Corn-Lily, Karungu
Scientific Names: , Aristea ecklonii, Aristea dichotoma, Aristea cyanea, Aristea maitlandii, Aristea lastii, Aristea paniculata, Aristea stipitata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Aristea ecklonii Baker