Lachenalia flava
golden opal flower
A bulbous perennial to 25cm in height, with strap-shaped, purple-spotted leaves and erect racemes of tubular orange-yellow flowers 3cm in length from late winter to spring
Synonyms
Lachenalia tricolor var. luteolaLachenalia aloides var. aurea
see moreLachenalia aloides var. bicolor
Lachenalia aloides var. luteola
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Orange Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Orange Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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 (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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.