Consulta Plantas

Care of the bulbous plant Sparaxis tricolor or Harlequin flower

The genus Sparaxis, family Iridaceae, comprises 12 species of bulbous plants native to South Africa. Some species are: Sparaxis tricolor, Sparaxis grandiflora, Sparaxis bulbifera, Sparaxis variegata, Sparaxis villosa.

Common names: Blue Scilla, Wild squill, Blue hyacinth, Blue squill. This species is native to Southern Africa.

They are small bulbous perennial plants of very beautiful flowering that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. The leaves, deep green in color, have a linear shape and are flat. The attractive flowers consist of 6 multi-colored petals in striae. They bloom during the spring.

They are used in planters for terraces and balconies, as cut flowers (due to their long duration) and in rockeries, mixed borders and flowerbeds.

Sparaxis tricolor can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure. They resist occasional and low intensity frosts.

The soil can be a mixture of normal garden soil with 1/4 coarse sand and 1/4 peat.

Water moderately at the rate of one glass of water per plant every 2 days. It is better to water little than to overdo it.

Fertilize in winter with peat and manure creating a superficial layer that will protect the bulbs from the cold and will ensure good flowering. When the flowers wither, add powdered organic compost every 15 days until the leaves turn yellow.

Prune withered flowers.

They are sensitive plants to excessive watering that can rot the bulbs.

They are propagated by division of the bulbs. The bulbs are planted in autumn at a distance of 5 cm (1.96") from each other and at a depth of 8 cm (3.14").

Images of the bulbous plant Sparaxis tricolor or Harlequin flower