About
A bulbous perennial to 20cm tall, with two strap-shaped pale green leaves, and spikes of vivid blue-green or turquoise flowers tipped with white in winter.
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 pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
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)
Care notes
CultivationOverwinter under glass. In containers grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Water moderately until in full growth, than water freely, adding a balanced fertiliser every 10-14 days. Reduce watering as the leaves fade, than keep dry until the onset of new growth in the autumn
PruningRemove dead foliage
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe, germinate at 13-18°C. Remove bulblets in summer or autumn when dormant before re-potting. Further bulb propagation advice
Pest resistanceAphids, slugs and snails may be a problem
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free