Sparaxis tricolor
three-coloured harlequin flower
A cormous perennial with narrow, upright leaves to 30cm long. In spring and early summer it produces stems, to about 45cm, bearing small clusters of red, orange or purple, widely-funnel-shaped flowers with yellow centres surrounded by black or dark red marks
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black Orange Purple Red Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black Orange Purple Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Sparaxis are cormous perennials forming a fan-shaped tuft of linear or narrowly lance-shaped leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers borne in loose spikes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in good light but shaded from hot sun. In autumn, plant corms 20cm deep in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added sand and leaf mould. Water sparingly when in growth and keep cool; dry off as flowers fade and keep completely dry when dormant
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or remove offsets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning
Remove spent flower stems and allow foliage to die down naturally
Pests
Generally problem free
Diseases
Generally problem free
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