Lachenalia aloides

Common Names

Cape Cowslip, Opal Flower, Cape Hyacinth, Vierk Leurtjie, Three-Coloured Lachenalia, Tricolor Cape Cowslip

Summary

Cape cowslip is a bulbous geophyte in the Asparagaceae native to the Southwest Cape Province of South Africa. It forms clumps via offsets and grows to about 0.5–0.9 ft tall, with strap-shaped leaves often spotted with purple, bearing pendent tubular flowers that are yellow with red tips, blooming in winter and spring.

In cultivation it prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil, is frost tender and hardy to zones 9–11, and is suitable for borders or containers in warm climates; bulbs are planted about 3 inches deep with tips just under the surface, and a summer dormancy occurs with dry conditions; propagation is by seed or bulblets, and it is used in rock gardens, borders, patios, and container plantings in Mediterranean or mild-winter landscapes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-11 inches

Spread

8-10 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9–11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, some shade at mid-day, partial sun to full sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (humus-rich); raised beds/containers if drainage is poor.

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Bloom Color

Yellow, often with red tips or accents; orange forms also reported

Bloom Time

Winter and Spring

Foliage Color

Green with purple spots

Fall Foliage Color

Orange, Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Strong growing

Seasons of Interest

Winter and Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Bulblets (bulblet division), Bulbs (bulb division), Division (offsets)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts honey bees and sunbirds