About
A bulbous perennial to 30cm tall, with strap-shaped, purple-spotted leaves and loose racemes of rose-red, tubular flowers tipped with green, in winter.
About the genus
Lachenalia are bulbous perennials with strap-shaped, sometimes dark-spotted leaves, and erect stems bearing racemes or spikes of tubular flowers, slightly fragrant in some species, in autumn, winter or early spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in light well-drained soil in a sheltered, frost-free area. Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Reduce watering as the leaves fade, then keep dry until fresh growth starts in autumn
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) as soon as ripe, or remove bulblets in summer or autumn just before replanting or repotting
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free