Has anyone grown Nivenia?

[meanie]

Pretty much as the title really - has anyone grown Nivenia in the UK (or northern Europe)?
I came across it whilst looking for something else and the idea of a shrubby Iridaceae seems daft enough to have a go at. I've found seed but wonder if anyone has any experience. Supposedly hardy in USDA zone 8 .

Thanks for looking.

[johnralphcarpenter]

Had it in the polytunnel for a while but lost it.

[meanie]

Had it in the polytunnel for a while but lost it.

Any idea of what finished it off?

[johnralphcarpenter]

Neglect, probably.

[Jupiter]

John here in south Australia we have Orthrosanthus which is very similar. It would be easy enough to get you some seed if you are interested. O. multiflorus is the common one, Google it and see what you think.

[johnralphcarpenter]

Neglect, probably.

In my defence, it was back in the days when I was working in London, and only saw the garden in daylight at weekends for half the year. I recommend "The Woody Iridaceae, Nivenia Klattia and Witsenia" by Peter Goldblatt (Timber Press 1993, ISBN: 0-88192-233-1).

[meanie]

In my defence, it was back in the days when I was working in London, and only saw the garden in daylight at weekends for half the year. I recommend "The Woody Iridaceae, Nivenia Klattia and Witsenia" by Peter Goldblatt (Timber Press 1993, ISBN: 0-88192-233-1).

I must admit that when I decided to search for seeds I got many more results for that book than I did for seed! Ordered one for about a tenner off of Fleabay.