Jessie Keith
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Lachenalia contaminata
Plant Common Name
Wild Hyacinth
General Description
Native to the biologically diverse Cape region of South Africa, the Cape Cowslip is valued for its easy-to-grow habit and spikes of sweetly fragrant, whitish blooms. Lachenalia is a genus of bulb-forming tender perennials adapted to grasslands, rocky sites and a climate with dry summers and wet winters.
From late winter to spring, spikes of small but showy blooms rise above rosettes of slender foliage and short stems, both of which may be spotted. Plants form clumps over time. The flowers are bell-shaped, held at right angles to the stem and white with rusty-red and purple “contamination” at the tips of the petals. The thin grass-like leaves arch upright from spreading papery-covered bulbs.
Cape Cowslip prefers soil with good drainage and requires regular to heavy watering when actively growing and blooming. Full sun with a bit of afternoon shade in the hottest locations is best. Plant the bulbs or divide the clumps in the fall. Protect summer dormant plants from excess water. In frost-free locations, Lachenalia contaminate is a great choice for containers, rock gardens, open fields and looks great tucked among other winter flowering ornamentals in mixed beds and borders.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 10
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Sunset Zone
16, 17, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
2"-10" / 5.1cm - 25.4cm
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Width
2"-19" / 5.1cm - 48.3cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Southern Africa, South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Dark Red
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
