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Sparaxis tricolor

Image of Sparaxis tricolor

International Flower Bulb Centre

Family

Iridaceae

Botanical Name

Sparaxis tricolor

Plant Common Name

Harlequin Flower

General Description

This beautiful little herbaceous perennial from the western cape of South Africa brings spring color to mild-climate gardens. In late winter or spring fans of sword-shaped leaves resembling those of freesia or iris arise from a small bulb-like corm. Few-flowered spikes of relatively large marigold-orange flowers with bright yellow, maroon-edged eyes appear in late spring and early summer. The broadly funnel-shaped, upfacing blooms are borne on wiry calf-high stalks, with up to five stalks per corm. The foliage dies back shortly after flowering ends.

Like most Cape bulbs, Sparaxis demands ample sun and relatively dry summer conditions. It needs winter moisture. Plant corms in fall where hardy. Forms and hybrids of this plant are often sold in spring as summer-blooming annuals. It is often planted in masses for carpets of color. However, it is also excellent spotted into beds and borders to provide a bright seasonal accent.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    10 - 7

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Bulb or Corm or Tuber

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm

  • Width

    3"-5" / 7.6cm - 12.7cm

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    South Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Red, Purple, Orange

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Light Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes