Lachenalia liliiflora
lily-flowered Cape cowslip
A summer-dormant bulbous perennial, to 25cm tall, with strap-shaped leaves and erect spikes of tubular white and pink-purple flowers on sturdy, purple-spotted stems from late winter to spring
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 | Green Purple | Pink Purple White | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green Purple | Pink Purple White | Green |
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 close together in a well-drained, peat-free, loam-based compost and grow in full sun. Introduce watering gradually in autumn until plants are actively growing and then water freely. Reduce watering in spring and keep dry over summer until growth resumes in autumn
Propagation
Propagate from seed (indoors) sown as soon as ripe at 13-18°C, by detaching bulblets in summer or autumn, or by leaf cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Remove old foliage as the plant dies down for the summer
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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