(syn: Cypella plumbea) Cypella coelestis is a little-known but highly prized South American bulb. The pleated, blue-green foliage on this iris relative most closely resembles that of a young palm tree. From midsummer onward, the easy-to-grow Cypella coelestis is topped with blue, goblet-shaped flowers on sturdy but airy, 2' tall stems. Each flower has 6 petals: 3 large blue-lavender ones and 3 smaller tricolor ones of white, yellow, and blue. Although each goblet flower lasts only one day, the succession of flowers will provide color for several months. Cypella coelestis is quite unique and quite wonderful in a well-drained sunny spot in the garden! Why is it that so many sky-blue flowers are only open in the morning? Cypella coelestis closely resembles a blue flowered Tigridia in both flower and plant. As it blooms for many months, the tidy minded gardener might want to prune off the spent flower stalks so that they don't detract from the flowers produced on new scapes. Cut plant to ground after frost kills it back. It will return each spring. It is easily raised from seed, though it is a bit slow to germinate. Its tall slender habit allows it to be grown through shorter sturdier neighbors. Combine it with yellow daylilies like 'Statuesque' or 'Purity'. A sunny location suits it best. It is drought tolerant. Avoid soggy soils.
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