Lachenalia longituba

RHS Plant Profile
long-flowered Cape cowslip

Synonyms

Polyxena longituba

Award of Garden Merit
Bulbs Alpine Rockery

A bulbous perennial to 5cm tall, with 2 narrowly lance-shaped, grooved leaves to 10cm long. In autumn it bears open, trumpet-shaped, sweetly scented mauve flowers to 2.5cm long; these close in cold weather

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
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
South Africa (Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in light well-drained soil in a sheltered, frost-free area. Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Reduce watering as the leaves fade, then keep dry until fresh growth starts in autumn

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 13-18°C as soon as ripe, or remove bulblets in summer or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free