Lachenalia orchioides
orchid-like Cape cowslip
A bulbous perennial growing to around 30cm tall with two, strap-shaped, semi-erect, green basal leaves sometimes with dark spotting. A dense spike of fragrant, 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
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Yellow Green Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | White Yellow Green Red | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa, W Cape
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in light well-drained compost in a sheltered, frost-free area. Grow under glass in a loam-based compost in full light. Reduce watering as the leaves fade, then keep dry until fresh growth starts in autumn
Propagation
Propagate by seed or remove bulblets in summer or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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