Aristea capitata
Water Needs
moderate; high

Perennial; Water plant
Blue Sceptre; Blousuurkanol
Flower spikes reach 1.5 – 2 m. Flower size: 25 mm
Size
Light Conditions
sun; semi-shade
Frost
tender
Flowers
blue; pink; spring; summer
Garden Situation
sun, semi-shade, container, water, windy areas, grassland, slopes, perennial bed, wildlife – bees, butterflies, other insects
Habitat
fynbos; water
Region
Western Cape
Rain Season
winter
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Description
A large, striking perennial for sun and partial shade. Mature plants form large clumps of erect, strap-like leaves from a central rhizome. Dark blue to purple flowers (a pink variety is available) grow in tight arrangements along the length of long, slender spikes that can grow to 2 m high. Flowers open in the morning, closing at midday, with fresh buds unfurling the following day. Closed buds resemble twists of pink and blue candy. Plant in clumps in normal garden soils, or at the water’s edge where they mix beautifully with the yellow flowers of Wachendorfia thyrsiflora or maroon flowers of Melianthus major.

