Lachenalia spp.

Cape cowslips

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Lachenalia spp. is a genus of roughly 130 bulbous perennials in the family Asparagaceae, native almost entirely to the winter-rainfall regions of South Africa and southern Namibia. Each bulb produces one or two strap- or lance-shaped basal leaves, often spotted or banded with purple or brown, and a single upright flower spike 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall. The tubular or bell-shaped flowers, 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long, hang or spread along the stem in dense racemes and span a wide color range across the genus, including yellow, orange, red, green, blue, and white, often with contrasting tips. Growth follows the Mediterranean-type pattern of the Cape: bulbs sprout with autumn rains, flower in winter and early spring, then die back to dormancy through the dry summer. Most species are frost-tender and are grown as pot plants or as outdoor bulbs only in frost-free, summer-dry climates. They multiply readily by offset bulbs and by seed. Overwatering during summer dormancy rots the bulbs, the most common cause of failure in cultivation.

Native Range

Native to South Africa and southern Namibia, concentrated in the winter-rainfall Cape, on sandy flats, rocky slopes, and seasonal seeps.

Suggested Uses

Grown as winter-flowering pot bulbs for cool greenhouses, windowsills, and conservatories. In frost-free, summer-dry climates they are planted in rock gardens, raised beds, and gravel. The wide color range makes them collectible among bulb enthusiasts.

How to Identify

Recognized by one or two fleshy basal leaves, frequently marked with purple spots or bars, and a single spike of tubular, pendent or outward-facing flowers. Flower color and markings vary widely between species, but the bulb produces few leaves and a compact raceme. Plants appear in autumn, flower in winter to spring, and vanish by early summer.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 1'

Width/Spread3" - 6"

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowers from late winter into spring, roughly February to April in the northern hemisphere. Each spike lasts about 4 weeks. In habitat the flowers are visited by sunbirds and bees.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow, orange, red, blue, or white

Foliage Description

green, often spotted purple

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

Seed-grown bulbs flower in 3-4 years; offsets flower sooner.

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to light shade on sharply drained sandy soil with a pH near 5.5-7.0. Plants are watered as growth begins in autumn and kept evenly moist through the winter flowering season. Water is withheld once the leaves yellow in late spring, and the dormant bulbs are kept dry and warm through summer. Frost protection is needed below about 25 F (-4 C). Bulbs are lifted and divided, or potted offsets separated, during summer dormancy. Excess summer moisture is the main cause of bulb rot.

Pruning

Spent flower spikes are cut away after blooming to redirect energy to the bulb. The leaves are left to yellow and wither naturally, feeding next season growth. No other pruning is required.

Pruning Schedule

late spring

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Unknown

Bulb