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Lachenalia orchioides

orchid-like Cape cowslip

A bulbous perennial growing to around 30cm tall with two, strap-shaped, semi-erect, green basal leaves sometimes with dark spotting. A dense spike of fragrant, oblong to cylindrical flowers is borne from winter into spring; flowers are greenish-yellow, creamy yellow or white and fade to red as they age

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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
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Yellow Green Red Green
Summer
Autumn
Winter White Yellow Green Red Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Grow outdoors in light well-drained compost in a sheltered, frost-free area. Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Reduce watering as the leaves fade, then keep dry until fresh growth starts in autumn

Propagation

Propagate by seed or remove bulblets in summer or autumn

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

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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