Lachenalia quadricolor
four-coloured opal flower
A bulbous perennial to 25cm in height, with purple-spotted, strap-shaped leaves and erect racemes of red buds opening to tubular yellow and green flowers 2-3cm in length, red at the base and tipped with purple
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple Red Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- South Africa (SW Cape Prov)
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. When in growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser fortnightly. Reduce water as the leaves fade and keep dry until new foliage appears in autumn. Can be grown outdoors in a light soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe at 13 to 18°C or remove bulblets in summer or autumn prior to repotting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
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.