Tritonia gladiolaris

RHS Plant Profile
chiffon lace

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Synonyms

Tritonia lineata

Bulbs

A cormous perennial to 50cm tall, forming a tuft of sword-shaped leaves. In spring, slender spikes of 5-15, funnel-shaped, cream or pale yellow flowers are produced

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

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 Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or 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
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Tritonia are cormous perennials with linear leaves in two ranks, and few-flowered spikes of cup-shaped to funnel-shaped flowers in spring or summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Southern Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, plant 10cm deep in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand, in full light. As the leaves wither after flowering, reduce water gradually to ensure a warm, dry dormancy. When new growth appears increase watering; in full growth water freely. Repot annually

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or by removing offsets while dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free