Harlequin Flower Sparaxis

Sparaxis, or Harlequin Flower, is a genus of summer-blooming, perennial bulbs containing 15 species of plants. This genus is typically found growing wild in sandy or rocky slopes at low altitudes or in wet sandy or limestone flats. Sparaxis is a corm, or bulb forming plant, that usually grows to 2 feet high by 8 inches wide. Species of this plant are frost tender (classified as Tender III) and can be injured when temperatures drop below 25 degrees. All species grow during 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 species usually bloom from April to May and are pollinated by Insects. 

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 with spacing at 2 to 3 inches apart. 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 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.