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Wandflower Sparaxis hybrids

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
spa-RAKS-iss hai-bruhdz
Description

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.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#drought tolerant#perennial bulbs#corms#frost tender#colorful#wind tolerant#edging#cutting garden#floral arrangement#delicate flowers#flowers late spring#flowers early summer#spring flowering bulbs#beetle friendly#filler#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#drought tolerant#perennial bulbs#corms#frost tender#colorful#wind tolerant#edging#cutting garden#floral arrangement#delicate flowers#flowers late spring#flowers early summer#spring flowering bulbs#beetle friendly#filler#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Sparaxis
    Species:
    hybrids
    Family:
    Iridaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
    Wildlife Value:
    Beetles are attracted to this plant and are the main pollinator.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Buffer
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Bulb Storage:
    Store dry at 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C)
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 4 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Capsules globose to oblong, cartilaginous. Seeds 8–15 per locule, globose; seed coat light to dark brown, hard, shiny.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Bloom in late spring, May and June with star-shaped flowers. Each plant will boast 2 to 5 many-flowered bracts. The flowers are odorless and funnel-shaped, sometimes obliquely so. The tepals are variously colored, sometimes with strongly contrasting markings. Flowers have six tepals, which in most species are equal in size and shape.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Whorled
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Oblong
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Sword-shaped leaves, several, sometimes prostrate; blade plane, ensiform to oblong.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stems can be simple or branched.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Heat