Sparaxis

Harlequin flower (Eng.), Fluweeltjies (Afr.)

Sparaxis are a genus of about 13 species endemic to Cape Province, South Africa. They are spring flowering corms grown for their showy, brightly coloured flowers. They will flower every year provided they get a dry dormant summer time and a wet winter growing time.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Spring

Fruiting time

Summer

Harvesting

Generally not harvested

Propagation

Division

Divide corms in the dormant season.

Seed

Sow seeds as soon as ripe.

Special features

Attracts useful insects

Bees are attracted to the flowers.

Indoor plant

Grow indoors in pots in a bright, sunny spot.

Drought resistant

Specially adapted to a dry summer - will regrow as soon as winter rains start.

Pot plant

Plant closely together to make a beautiful show. Move to a shed while dormant.

Geography

Origin

Africa, South Africa

Natural climate

Mediterranean

Environment

Light

Full Sun

Soil moisture

Moist

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil PH preference

Neutral

Frost hardiness

Tender

Uses

Ornamental

Sparaxis elegans is best valued as a garden and indoor ornamental.

Personality

Family

Iridaceae

Flower colour

, Orange, Purples, Pink, Yellow, White, Red

Scent

None

Problems

Generally problem free.

Companion plants

Plant with spring flowers and low-growing shrubs.

Ixia

Ixia viridiflora

Terracotta Gazania

Gazania krebsiana