The Baboon Bottom Iris, scientifically known as Ferraria crispa or Ferraria undulata, is a unique flowering plant. Its common name comes from the mottled, textured look of its petals, which some find reminiscent of a baboon’s hindquarters. This exotic bloom offers an intriguing focal point in any garden with its unusual form and striking patterns.
Understanding the Baboon Bottom Iris
The Ferraria crispa and Ferraria undulata are botanical names for this intriguing plant, often used interchangeably as synonyms. Its flowers feature mottled shades of brown, purple, yellow, and green, with characteristically crinkled or ruffled petal edges.
Native to South Africa’s Cape Province, the Baboon Bottom Iris is a corm-forming perennial. It thrives in Mediterranean-like climates with dry summers and wet winters. The plant typically reaches 30 to 50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) tall and produces sword-like, linear leaves.
Essential Care for Baboon Bottom Iris
The Baboon Bottom Iris prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade; ample light promotes abundant flowering. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can protect the plant.
Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent corm rot, a common issue for this plant. Sandy or gritty soil mixes are ideal, with a pH preference from slightly acidic to neutral. During active growth, the plant requires moderate watering, avoiding consistently saturated conditions.
During dormancy, watering should be significantly reduced or ceased entirely to mimic its native dry summer conditions. The Baboon Bottom Iris is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, thriving in warmer climates and being sensitive to frost. While generally low-maintenance, a light, balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied monthly during the active growing season, especially when blooming.
Planting and Propagation
The optimal time for planting Baboon Bottom Iris corms is typically in late summer to early autumn, allowing them to establish before winter growth. Plant corms 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) deep, with 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) between each. If the top is unclear, plant it sideways; shoots will find their way upward.
These plants grow well in garden beds and containers, especially where corms need lifting for winter storage. Propagation occurs through the division of offsets, small corms forming around the parent. This division is best performed after dormancy, typically every three to five years to prevent overcrowding and maintain bloom production.
Flowering and Dormancy Cycle
The Baboon Bottom Iris typically produces its unique flowers from late winter through spring, sometimes extending into early summer. While individual flowers last only a day, established plants offer a continuous display for several weeks as new blooms emerge. Flowers often have a vanilla-like scent, though some varieties may have an unpleasant aroma.
After flowering, allow foliage to naturally yellow and die back. This process allows the corm to gather energy for the next season’s growth. The plant then enters summer dormancy, requiring dry conditions. In colder zones (below USDA Zone 9), lift dormant corms and store them in a cool, dry place over winter to protect them from frost.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
A lack of blooms is a common concern, often attributed to insufficient light exposure during the growing season, overwatering during dormancy, or immature corms. Corm rot, a frequent issue, is primarily caused by poor soil drainage or excessive watering. While generally resistant to many pests and diseases, the plant can occasionally be affected by slugs or snails, and fungal problems may arise in overly wet conditions. Leggy or stretched growth indicates insufficient light.