Overview
Lachenalia pygmaea is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Lachenalia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lachenalia pygmaea 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 pygmaea, commonly known as dwarf Cape cowslip, is a bulbous perennial from the Asparagaceae family. This clump-forming cultivar features deciduous, strap-like leaves and produces upright stems with racemes or spikes of tubular flowers in spring. It thrives in well-drained loam or sandy soils with a neutral to alkaline pH, favouring full sun and sheltered positions such as south, east, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for patios, containers, rock gardens, and conservatories, it requires cultivation in a greenhouse or sheltered environment in the UK due to its H2 hardiness rating.
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 pygmaea 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 pygmaea
- Propagation
- Seed, Bulblets
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lachenalia pygmaea?
Lachenalia pygmaea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lachenalia pygmaea need?
Lachenalia pygmaea grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Lachenalia pygmaea hardy in the UK?
Lachenalia pygmaea 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 pygmaea?
Seed, Bulblets.
More in the Lachenalia genus
- LachenaliaCape cowslip
- Lachenalia nervosaveined Cape 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 splendidastriking Cape cowslip