About
A bulbous perennial attaining around 30cm tall with two, strap-shaped, semi-erect, green basal leaves sometimes with dark spotting. A dense spike of perfumed, oblong to cylindrical flowers is borne from winter into spring; flowers are greenish-yellow, creamy yellow or white and fade to red as they age.
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
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS Africa, W Cape
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in light well-drained compost 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 or remove bulblets in summer or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free