Lachenalia 'Rupert' (African Beauty Series)
Cape cowslip 'Rupert'
'Rupert' is a bulbous perennial, up to 30cm high, growing from autumn to spring, with long fleshy green leaves, spotted above with maroon-brown. From late winter to spring, spotted stems with spikes of tubular, pale blue-lilac flowers with pale pink-purple tips appear
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Red Green | Blue Pink Purple | Brown Red Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Brown Red Green | |||
| Winter | Brown Red Green | Blue Pink Purple | Brown Red Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant bulbs 10cm deep: in frost-prone areas, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in full light in loam-based potting compost such as John Innes No. 2. 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
Propagation
Propagate 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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Cut flowers
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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