Origin
Moraea pavonia (L.f.) Ker Gawl. var. lutea (Ker Gawl.) Baker is a species of plant that is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Common names for this species include yellow flag iris, buttercup iris, and cape tulip.
Uses
This plant is primarily grown as an ornamental species because of its distinctive and attractive flowers. Additionally, it creates attractive masses of color when planted in groups. However, it is important to note that this species contains toxic alkaloids that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, and should therefore not be ingested or handled carelessly.
General Appearance
Moraea pavonia (L.f.) Ker Gawl. var. lutea (Ker Gawl.) Baker is a perennial species that grows from corms. It typically reaches a height of 60cm and produces narrow, sword-shaped leaves that can be up to 30cm long. The flowers of this species are its most distinctive feature, as they are large and showy, with a bright yellow coloration. The flowers bloom in spring and summer and are held atop stems that can be up to 25cm long.
Light Requirements
Moraea pavonia var. lutea grows best in full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 60 to 85°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F.
Soil Requirements
Moraea pavonia var. lutea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this plant is sensitive to waterlogged conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Moraea pavonia (L.f.) Ker Gawl. var. lutea (Ker Gawl.) Baker is a perennial plant that thrives in a well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level. The plant prefers to receive full sun to partial shade, making it an ideal plant for growing in a garden or a container. Plant the bulbs approximately 4-6 cm deep and 5-8 cm apart in the soil.
Watering Needs
During the growing season, Moraea pavonia requires moderate watering. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry partially before watering again. The plant is drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering that can lead to bulb rot. Ensure that the plant does not remain in standing water, as it is also harmful to the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Moraea pavonia (L.f.) Ker Gawl. var. lutea (Ker Gawl.) Baker should be fertilized once every four to six weeks, during the growing season. Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer that provides equal portions of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as it can damage the roots and lead to stunted growth.
Pruning
Moraea pavonia (L.f.) Ker Gawl. var. lutea (Ker Gawl.) Baker does not require much pruning. However, trimming the dead or yellow leaves as they appear can help to prevent the spread of disease to other parts of the plant. The spent flowers can be removed to encourage the growth of more flowers. Cut the spent flowers as close to the base of the flower stalk as possible.
Propagation of Moraea pavonia var. lutea
There are two common methods for propagating Moraea pavonia var. lutea: division and seed propagation.
Division
Division is the most popular and straightforward propagation method for Moraea pavonia var. lutea. It involves separating the clumps of the plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots. This method is typically carried out in the spring when the plant is actively growing. To divide the plant, carefully dig up the clump with a garden fork, and gently separate the sections using a sharp and clean pair of scissors or a knife. After separating the sections, replant them in well-draining soil and water them thoroughly. Ensure that the newly planted sections receive adequate sunlight and moisture to establish them in the new environment.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Moraea pavonia var. lutea is an alternative method, but it requires more time and attention. To propagate the plant from seeds, collect the mature and dry seed capsules after the flowering period. Store the seeds in a cold, dry place until planting time. Just before sowing the seeds, soak them in warm water for a few hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture, lightly covering them in soil, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur in about 10 to 14 days. Once seedlings have a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or planted directly in the garden bed.
Disease Management
Moraea pavonia var. lutea is a generally healthy plant species, but it is still susceptible to certain fungal diseases. The most common diseases include root rot, leaf spot, and stem rot.
To manage root rot, it is essential to maintain well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, as well as reducing irrigation frequency. For leaf spot, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed promptly, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide. To manage stem rot, it is important to avoid injuring the plant's stems and promptly remove diseased sections.
Pest Management
While Moraea pavonia var. lutea is not too often affected by pests, some common pests that can be problematic include spider mites and thrips. Spider mites can be identified by the presence of tiny webs between leaves, while thrips cause deformities in the plant's flowers and leaves.
To manage spider mites, the plant should be sprayed with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to kill them off, and the plant should be kept in a humid environment. For thrips, the plant should be treated with a neem oil-based insecticide, and infected leaves should be removed and destroyed promptly.
