Sparaxis tricolor — Harlequin flower
Although commonly available, this generous Sparax is species will remain in the catalog because of its interesting colour variations. Indeed every flower has three different colours, but in addition not one flower looks like the next. Its genetic make-up contains many possible combinations; whatever we try by labeliing and selection its offspring comes back to the same splendid mixture (so why bother ?). No need to say that it naturalises without much gardening effort.
The genus
Sparaxis, a south african iridaceae, is close to Freesia , but more hardy and easier to use as a garden plant. The flowers come in a wide range of colour combinations during April and early May. Multiplies by means of seed and numerous stem bulbils. Can be grown in pots, but is most at ease in wild rockeries and weedy borders. As the flowers open in the sun, choose a well exposed position.
- Family :Iridaceae
- Common name :Harlequin flower
- Native to :Afrique du Sud (Cap Ouest)
- Native climate :méditéranéen (humid winters)
- Colour :Yellow, Orange, Red
- Hardiness :good
- Exposure :full sun
- Storage organ :corm
- Growth :winter grower
- Flowering height :15-40 cm
- Uses :Borders - Wild prairies - Naturalising - In the ground - Containers or pot - Rockery
Growing cycle
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