The beautiful Lachenalia (Hyacinthaceae) or Cape cowslip is a indigenous genus of more than a hundred species, all natives of South Africa.
Most are found in the winter-rainfall Cape Province, growing during winter and dormant for a long period in summer.
Different species can be had in flower over a long period from autumn until mid-summer, with most species at peak in late winter and spring.
They are particularly suitable for growing in warmer climates, in cooler, wetter climates they are probably better grown indoors as container plants, otherwise strictly plants for the glasshouse.
They are bulbous plants, of somewhat fleshy texture, making large, thick leaves, which are often maroon-speckled and handsomely spotted.
The mainly tubular flowers, vary enormously in colour, ranging from yellow, orange, red, and white to blue, green, and purple.
They are often bi-coloured or tri-coloured as well; for instance, green tipped with cream or pink with dark tips.
Some species are sweetly scented, others are not. All species, however, are winter growing and dormant in summer.
Most Lachenalia species prefer full sun or light shade but prefers well-drained, humus-rich, sandy soil.
Plants in full flower are good to brighten up the indoors in winter
Most of these Lachenalia species are often on display and available at larger show like RHS, Lentetuin, Floriade and Keukenhof.
BTW: if you Google Lachenalia species and click on images on the left you get a lot more info to look at.
Cheers, Bill
PS: next time when I get to many dormant Lachenalia bulbs for replanting, I might send some of the spare bulbs to the VRV.
