Thalia dealbata (Alligator flag)

Thalia dealbata (Alligator flag) is just the thing to have if there are alligators about! The tall strongly architectural stiff leaf and flower stems waggle about as they swim through and warn you that they are coming. As if that wasn’t enough, the lovely architectural oar shaped leaves and mauve twisted flowers give a welcome burst of colour and vitality at the end of the season. Plant in a large basket in the sunniest spot you can give it and use plenty of fertiliser; split and repot often.

Now then, a little warning, this plant is also known by some as the “Bee assassin”, and it definitely does trap bees and other insects within its flowers. If this troubles you, and it does me, cut off the flowers as I do and just enjoy the magnificent leaves.

This plant will rarely be available in potted form by mail order direct from the website but is usually available at the nursery in small numbers. If you are interested in obtaining it by mail order, please email us and we can often oblige. An additional packing and carriage charge may be necessary.