purple dissotis

 Dissotis princeps

"Dissotis princeps is an outstanding garden plant with magnificent flowers and decorative foliage. It is easy to grow, and is ideal for the water or vlei (marsh) garden, or for that difficult, permanently damp spot. The genus name Dissotis is derived from the Greek dissos meaning two-fold, referring to the two different types of stamens. The species name princeps means most distinguished in Latin, perhaps the botanist who named it considered it to be the most distinguished species in its genus, on account of its long flowering period and showy inflorescence; princeps also means princely, which is possibly why it earned the common name of royal dissotis. This handsome species is fast, easy and rewarding to grow provided it is planted in fertile, well-watered soil in a sunny position. It can be allowed to dry out completely and go dormant during winter and cut back almost to ground level and it will resprout strongly in the spring. These seeds will be shipped very fresh directly from South Africa."