Lachenalia vanzyliae
van Zyl opal flower
A bulbous perennial up to 25cm high, growing from autumn to spring, with long fleshy green leaves that are heavily-spotted above with maroon-brown. From late winter to early spring spikes of hanging tubular flowers, about 3cm long, appear. Flowers are pale grey-green-blue at the base and yellowish grey-green at the apex, and tipped and edged in grey
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green Grey Silver Yellow | Brown Red Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Brown Red Green | |||
| Winter | Blue Green Grey Silver Yellow | Brown Red Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
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
- S Africa (W Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant bulbs 10cm deep: in frost-prone areas, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in full light in peat-free, loam-based potting compost. Water moderately as growth starts, water freely when in full growth (adding a balanced fertilizer every fortnight), and reduce watering as the leaves fade, then keep dry until fresh growth starts. In frost-free areas with dry summers, grow in full sun in well-drained soil in a rock garden or among low shrubs
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C as soon as it is ripe, or by division, removing bulblets from dormant plants and repotting or replanting straightaway
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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