Patersonia occidentalis or Tall Purple Flag is a hardy, highly ornamental, densely tufted native iris with masses of lovely purple flowers throughout spring and summer. Found across southern Australia it grows in damp sandy heathlands in the Otways (such as Marengo FR) and grows well in sunshine or partial shade. There are 16 different species of Patersonia, (named after William Paterson (1755–1810), a Scottish botanist) all found only within Australia though only two are present in the Otways. Patersonia occidentalis (meaning western) can be separated from Patersonia fragilis by its shorter, broader leaves and the fact that its flowers are longer than the leave (hence the name, Tall Purple Flag). You can buy Tall Purple Flag from the Shrub Club Community Nursery or if you’d like to learn more about local native plants SOLN (Southern Otway Landcare Network) runs a weekly plant walk over the summer usually leaving from the office at 69 Nelson St at 2:30pm each Tuesday.
FOLLOW US:
SOLN acknowledges the Gadubanud as the Traditional Owners of the country on which we live and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders.