Cape Buttercup Sparaxis hybrids

Sparaxis hybrids are variations on one or more of the 15 species of the Sparaxis genus, or Harlequin Flower. In general, they are perennial bulbs that bloom in late spring or early summer. Sparaxis is a corm, or bulb forming plant. Species and hybrids of this plant are frost tender (classified as Tender III) and can be injured when temperatures drop below 25 degrees. All species grow during the wet winter season, flower in the spring, and survive underground as dormant corms over the summer. It is best to plant this genus against a south-facing wall and to cover with mulch during cold spells. Sparaxis hybrids are pollinated by Insects or reproduce by annual corm replacement. They require a thermoperiodic cycle of warm (75 to 80F) - cool (35 to 45F) - warm (50 to 65F) annual temperatures and should be kept moist during the growing season.

Plants will grow in sandy soils, but prefers rich soil, and accept well-drained, moist, or dry soil. It likes full sun in the afternoon and does best in a hot, sunny site, but it cannot grow in the shade. Plant bulbs at a depth of 5 inches to the base with spacing at 3 inches apart. Plant no more than 10 or 12 bulbs per square foot. To propagate from bulbs, the corms should be kept dry after flowering. Lift the corms when the leaves die down, store them in a dry place at about 68 to 77 degrees F and replant them in the fall. If planting from seed, sow them thinly indoors in early spring in a light potting mix. The seed usually germinates within 6 weeks, but the seedlings are liable to damp off so give them plenty of ventilation. Divide up the small bulbs when the plants have become dormant at the end of the first growing season and continue to grow them indoors for at least another year before planting them outside. Sparaxis often flowers in the second year from seed. 

Insects, Diseases, and other Plant Problems:

No known problems.