Sparaxis tricolor - Harlequin Flower

Family: Iridaceae

Common Name(s): Wandflower, Harlequin flower, Sparaxis

Native to: South Africa

Flowering: Spring

Watering:Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth.

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Subtropical, Grassland

Description

Harlequin Flower is justly named because of the colour blend in each flower that is red to pink or orange, usually with a yellow centre outlined in black. Each wiry stem to grows to 30cm in height and produces up to five funnel or star shaped blooms which close up at night and on dull days. Great for garden borders, raised beds and pots for spring and early summer colour.

Cultivation

Select a sunny location, but with afternoon shade in very hot locations and preferably where no summer watering will be done. The soil should be free draining but moisture retentive. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. A general fertiliser need only be applied if the soil is particularly poor. Plant the bulbs 5cm deep and 8 to 10cm apart. Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth. When the leaves begin to die back, discontinue watering over the summer and autumn months so as to provide a dry and warm dormancy period. No particular pests or diseases.