About
A bulbous perennial up to 25cm high, growing from autumn to spring, with long fleshy green leaves that are heavily-spotted above with maroon-brown. From late winter to early spring spikes of hanging tubular flowers, about 3cm long, appear. Flowers are pale grey-green-blue at the base and yellowish grey-green at the apex, and tipped and edged in grey.
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, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS Africa (W Cape)
Care notes
CultivationPlant bulbs 10cm deep: in frost-prone areas, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in full light in peat-free, loam-based potting compost. Water moderately as growth starts, water freely when in full growth (adding a balanced fertilizer every fortnight), and reduce watering as the leaves fade, then keep dry until fresh growth starts. In frost-free areas with dry summers, grow in full sun in well-drained soil in a rock garden or among low shrubs
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C as soon as it is ripe, or by division, removing bulblets from dormant plants and repotting or replanting straightaway
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free