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BulbsConservatory Greenhouse

Sparaxis grandiflora

plain harlequin flower

A cormous perennial with leaves up to 30cm long. In spring and summer it produces spikes of funnel-shaped flowers with six reddish-purple petal lobes, on stems up to 45cm tall

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

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

Sparaxis are cormous perennials forming a fan-shaped tuft of linear or narrowly lance-shaped leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers borne in loose spikes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in good light but shaded from hot sun. In autumn, plant corms 20cm deep in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added sand and leaf mould. Water sparingly when in growth and keep cool; dry off as flowers fade and keep completely dry when dormant

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or remove offsets when dormant

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

Remove spent flower stems and allow foliage to die down naturally

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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