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BulbsConservatory Greenhouse

Lachenalia flava
  • RHS AGM

golden opal flower

A bulbous perennial to 25cm in height, with strap-shaped, purple-spotted leaves and erect racemes of tubular orange-yellow flowers 3cm in length from late winter to spring

Synonyms
Lachenalia tricolor var. luteola
Lachenalia aloides var. aurea
see moreLachenalia aloides var. bicolor
Lachenalia aloides var. luteola

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Orange Yellow
Summer
Autumn
Winter Orange Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
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
S Africa (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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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