Lachenalia viridiflora

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green-flowered Cape cowslip

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A bulbous perennial to 20cm tall, with two strap-shaped pale green leaves, and spikes of vivid blue-green or turquoise flowers tipped with white in winter

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–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
S Africa (W Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Overwinter under glass. In containers grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Water moderately until in full growth, than water freely, adding a balanced fertiliser every 10-14 days. Reduce watering as the leaves fade, than keep dry until the onset of new growth in the autumn

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as ripe, germinate at 13-18°C. Remove bulblets in summer or autumn when dormant before re-potting. Further bulb propagation advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Remove dead foliage

Pests

Aphids, slugs and snails may be a problem

Diseases

Generally disease-free