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BulbsConservatory Greenhouse

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

Synonyms
Lachenalia aloides var. vanzyliae
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
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
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
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

Get involved

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