Overview
Lachenalia nervosa is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Lachenalia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lachenalia nervosa 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, rock garden and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Lachenalia nervosa, known as the veined Cape cowslip, is a bulbous perennial from the Asparagaceae family. It forms clumps of deciduous, strap-like leaves and produces upright stems with racemes or spikes of tubular flowers in spring. This cultivar thrives in full sun with well-drained loam or sandy soils, preferring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for patios, containers, rock gardens, and conservatories, it requires a mild climate (UK hardiness H2) and can be propagated by seed or bulblets.
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, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Lachenalia nervosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lachenalia nervosa
- Propagation
- Seed, Bulblets
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lachenalia nervosa?
Lachenalia nervosa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lachenalia nervosa need?
Lachenalia nervosa grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Lachenalia nervosa hardy in the UK?
Lachenalia nervosa 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 nervosa?
Seed, Bulblets.
More in the Lachenalia genus
- LachenaliaCape 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