This cormous soft wooded perennial has upright foliage and forms a clump. It has mid-green lanced shaped leaves with a pleated texture and the blue-mauve funnel-shaped flowers appear in a raceme above the foliage during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Babiana stricta is naturally found in South Africa growing in well drained, fertile moist light soil with added organic matter in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender. 

Baboon Flower is grown for its flowers and spreading habit. It is planted in herbaceous borders in small or cottage gardens. It is also used in patio pots and planter boxes or planted in rockeries. This perennial can be used as a ground cover or for naturalising in woodland settings. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 1-2 years from division. ID 740

Babiana (băb-ee-AH-na) stricta (STRIK-ta)

“Babiana”, from Dutch babianer, “baboon”; “stricta”, Latin for straight or upright, referring to the upright leaves.

Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee)
Iris Family