5 BULBS - Sparaxis - Mixed Colours - Plant Now for Spring Flowers - Indigenous Bulbs - NEW

These deciduous winter-growing and summer-dormant corms are common known as Harlequin Flower. Sparaxis belong to the Iridaceae family with six species indigenous to the winter-rainfall areas of South Africa. The open- faced, star- shaped flowers display many intricate patterns in their centres. The overall effect of looking into a group of Sparaxis flowers is like looking into a kaleidoscope. Colours range from white to pure yellow, orange, pink, red, mauve, salmon and even green. Individual blooms do not last long, but flowers on the slender stems open successively from the bottom up, giving a fine, long- lasting display. Sparaxis will grow and bloom well in relatively poor soil. A rockery suits them, as does a border site. They are at their most effective if planted in groups of 25 or 50. They can also be grown in pots.

They should be planted in autumn. Loosen the soil to a depth of 20 cm. Space the corms about 7 cm apart, and cover them with 5 cm of soil. Using a bulb planting tool will help you to plant them at the correct depth. If it is very sandy or poor, work in some organic matter in the form of old compost to improve both moisture retention and drainage.

They need a few hours of direct sunlight each day in order for the blooms to open fully. Sparaxis are frost hardy and easy to grow. During winter and spring the soil should be kept continuously moist at root level. Do not neglect to water and feed with bulb food during the first six weeks after planting. If you are going to lift them from the soil when they go dormant it is a good idea to plant them in a Bulb Planter Tray to avoid damage and loss of bulbs.