About
A bulbous perennial with fleshy, strap-like mid green foliage. Thick stems produce pendulous, bell-shaped pale blue to magenta flowers with pure white centres and magenta tips. Not fully hardy so best grown in pots or a conservatory or greenhouse.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. Water moderately until in full growth then water freely, adding a balanced liquid fertiliser every 10-14 days. Reduce watering as the leaves fade, then keep dry until fresh growth starts in autumn. Protect from frost
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