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Lachenalia contaminata
  • RHS AGM

wild hyacinth

L. contaminata is an erect bulbous perennial to 25cm tall, with narrow, grass-like leaves and erect stems bearing narrowly bell-shaped white flowers tipped with maroon, in spring

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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
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple White Green
Summer
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
SW South Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in a loam-based potting compost in full light. Water moderately until in full growth then water freely, adding a balanced liquid fertiliser every 10-14 days. Reduce watering as the leaves fade, then keep dry until fresh growth starts in autumn

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) as soon as ripe, or remove bulblets in summer or autumn just before replanting or repotting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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