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Lachenalia corymbosa

corymbous Cape cowslip

A bulbous perennial, up to 15cm high, growing from autumn to spring, with narrow green leaves, up to 150mm long and 5mm wide. In autumn and early winter dense clusters of honey-scented, bell-shaped flowers, about 15mm wide, appear. Flowers are lilac-pink, flushed with a darker blue-lilac central stripe along each petal

Synonyms
Polyxena corymbosa
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer
Autumn Pink Purple Green
Winter Pink Purple Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical 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 (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 such as John Innes No. 2, and 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

Remove old flowering stems as they fade

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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