About
A bulbous perennial to 5cm tall, with 2 narrowly lance-shaped, grooved leaves to 10cm long. In autumn it bears open, trumpet-shaped, sweetly scented mauve flowers to 2.5cm long; these close in cold weather.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Alpine Rockery
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
FragranceFlower
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 sowing seed at 13-18°C as soon as ripe, or remove bulblets in summer or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free