Lachenalia aloides
cape cowslip
A bulbous perennial to 30cm with arching, purple-spotted, strap-shaped leaves appearing in autumn. The flowers follow in late winter or early spring as upright clusters of hanging, tubular, red-tipped, yellow flowers, opening from orange buds and carried on purple-flushed and spotted stems
Synonyms
Lachenalia tricolorLachenalia aloides
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 | Green Purple | Orange Red Yellow | Green Purple | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Green Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Purple | Orange Red Yellow | Green Purple |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical 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
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in light well-drained soil 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
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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