Lachenalia namaquensis

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<em>Lachenalia</em> <em>namaquensis</em> RHS
Alpine Rockery Bulbs Conservatory Greenhouse

A bulbous perennial with fleshy, strap-like mid green foliage. Thick stems produce pendulous, bell-shaped pale blue to magenta flowers with pure white centres and magenta tips. Not fully hardy so best grown in pots or a conservatory or greenhouse

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
South Africa (Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in a peat-free, 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. Protect from frost

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free