Blue Stars
Aristea eklonii
Also known as
Blousterre (Afr.)
Aristea ecklonii-BSI-yercaud-salem-India by Yercaud-elango (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
13b
USDA zone
18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
30cm | Max | 50cm |
20cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Blue Stars
Blue Stars Overview
One of the most beautiful sights to see on the slopes of Lion’s Head (Cape Town) is masses of Aristea capitata in full bloom. Like its close relative, the Iris, it produces thick clumps of long thin leaves tapering to a point. During the flowering period numerous continuous flower-stalks emerge from each clump with multiple tubular purple flowers creating an eruption of purple in the garden.
Common problems with Blue Stars
Fynbos plants become vulnerable to fungal attacks. To ensure your plants do not become affected by fungal attack, keep your plants dry during summer months.
How to harvest Blue Stars
Harvest Seed pods and sow seeds straight after the pods have dried out.
How to propagate Blue Stars
Seed
Sow seeds to a depth of 2-4 mm straight after the seed pods have dried out completely.
Division
Divide thick clumps while dormant.
Special features of Blue Stars
Attracts birds
Attracts small nectar loving sunbirds.
Attracts useful insects
Attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Drought resistant
As it only grows during the warm dry summer months and dormant during the wet months.