Overview
Lachenalia is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Lachenalia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lachenalia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Lachenalia, commonly known as Cape cowslip or leopard lily, is a genus of perennial bulbous plants in the Asparagaceae family. These plants have strap-like, often spotted leaves and produce upright, columnar stems topped with racemes or spikes of tubular flowers, typically blooming in spring. They are deciduous and thrive in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect. Suitable for patio and container planting, Lachenalia prefers well-drained loam or sandy soils of various pH levels and requires protection in the UK, rated H2 for hardiness. Propagation is by seed or by removing bulblets in summer or autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lachenalia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Lachenalia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lachenalia
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or remove bulblets in summer or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lachenalia?
Lachenalia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lachenalia need?
Lachenalia grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Lachenalia hardy in the UK?
Lachenalia has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Lachenalia?
Propagate by seed or remove bulblets in summer or autumn.
More in the Lachenalia genus
- Lachenalia nervosaveined Cape cowslip
- Lachenalia 'Aqua Lady'PBRCape cowslip 'Aqua Lady'
- Lachenalia 'Romelia' (African Beauty Series)
- Lachenalia angelica
- Lachenalia bulbifera pink
- Lachenalia pustulata blue-floweredblue-flowered blistered Cape cowslip
- Lachenalia pygmaeadwarf Cape cowslip
- Lachenalia splendidastriking Cape cowslip