Australian Cultivar Registration Authority

Description: Diplarrhena latifolia 'Amethyst Fairy', Taken: 22 January 2019, [HERBARIUM SPECIMEN] ACRA NO: Acc 470 Copyright : Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (CANBR) holds copyright
Photographer: Palmer, R.

Diplarrena latifolia 'Amethyst Fairy'

File Number

470

ACRA Field Book Number

598

Registration Date

11/10/1993

Application Received

01/08/1990

Family

Iridaceae

Cultivar Name

Diplarrena latifolia 'Amethyst Fairy'

Origin

Diplarrena 'Amethyst Fairy' was selected from a wild population of Diplarrena latifolia in 1980 by Ken Gillanders of Woodbank Nursery, Tasmania. The name reflects the colour in the centre of the flower and the wing-like shape of the white petals. The cultivar was first received in August 1990. Application for registration received from Mr K Gillanders of Woodbank Nursery, Tasmania.

Characteristics

A tussock-like perennial herb 300-400mm tall by 450mm across with dense mid-green straplike foliage. The flowers are borne in the spring and are up to 60mm across. The flowers are an intense purple in the centre of the flower, with this colouration spreading in striations to the outer perianth parts. Although each flower only lasts one day, they are produced in quantity to give a good display. Diagnosis: Diplarrena 'Amethyst Fairy' has been selected for the intense purple colouring on the inner perianth members and the purple shading on the outer perianth members.

Cultivation

This cultivar was tested for six years at Longley in Tasmania. It proved to be frost hardy but benefits from supplementary watering during the warmer months of the year. It grows well in semi-shade or sun in a well-drained soil. Propagation must be by vegetative means to preserve the cultivar form, and division is the usual method used.

Publication

Payne, W.H. (1994), Cultivars of Wildflowers. Australian Plants 17(140) 372; Australian Plants ;Kuranga Native Nursery (2004), Discount Stocklist 2004. -: 13

Colour Coding

RHS Colour Chart 1966 main area of the petals: White Group 155A centre of flower: Yellow-Orange Group 17B striations at centre: Purple Group 79A striations on petals: close to Violet-Blue Group 93B

Propagation

Division

Applicant Name

Mr K Gillanders

Uses

As part of a mass planting or mixed in a shrubbery, or as a feature plant.

Availability

Kuranga Nursery

ANBG Accession Numbers

ACC470, ACRA508, CBG9310359

NSL ID

-