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Lachenalia pustulata
  • RHS AGM

blistered Cape cowslip

L. pustulata is a bulbous perennial to 35cm, with one or two lance-shaped leaves with small bumps on the upper surface, and racemes of narrowly bell-shaped, cream or yellowish flowers in late winter and spring

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

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
South Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass, plant bulbs in a well-drained loam based compost (JI No 2) 10cm deep and grow in full sun. Introduce watering gradually until plants actively growing and then water freely. Reduce watering in autumn and keep dry over winter until growth resumes in spring

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe at 13-18C (55-64F) or by detaching bulblets in summer or autumn.

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

Remove old foliage as the plant dies down for the winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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