Lachenalia pustulata
blistered Cape cowslip
A bulbous perennial to 35cm, with one or two lance-shaped leaves with small bumps on the upper surface, and racemes of narrowly bell-shaped, cream or yellowish flowers in late winter and spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Cream Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Under glass, plant bulbs in a well-drained, peat-free, loam-based compost 10cm deep and grow in full sun. Introduce watering gradually until plants actively growing and then water freely. Reduce watering in autumn and keep dry over winter until growth resumes in spring
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe at 13-18C (55-64F) or by detaching bulblets in summer or autumn.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Remove old foliage as the plant dies down for the winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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