The Harlequin Flowers
Sparaxis or ‘Harlequin Flower’ are a spring flowering bulb or corm that are easy to grow are very colorful. The common name of ‘Harlequin Flowers’ this gives us an indication of the bright cheery flowers.
With around 12 species and a number of sub species the variety in flower colour is wide. From whites through to orange, yellows and reds they grow well in Australia.
Coming from the Cape Province of South Africa they are well adapted to our Mediterranean climate and are very easy care, both in the garden and in containers.
How to Grow Sparaxis – Basic Care
These are a sprig flowering bulb, they grow foliage over winter and then flower as the weather warms in spring. Summer is when they go into dormancy. So they are suited to a Mediterranean climate,
They grow well in full sun to part shade and do require a well drained soil. They are frost tender and will not survive heavy frosts and freezes unless protected.
Generally regarded as hardy and only requiring minimum care, such as a tidy up of old foliage as it dies back.
You can plant them in the garden border, naturalise them into the lawn or even grow them in containers.
Popular Sparaxis Types
Here are a few standout species commonly grown:
- Sparaxis tricolor with its orange flowers bright yellow throat edged with black is a wonderful species used widely in hybridisation.
- Sparaxis grandiflora is a varied species flower color ranging from white through to purple and deep red depending on sub species.
- S. bulbifera has pale creamy white flowers.
- S. elegans has attractive orange or white flowers with a ring of purple markings in the centre
All are both a native of South Africa and grow from corms.
How to plant and Grow Sparaxis Bulbs
You can plant the bulbs in late summer to autumn when you buy them as corms or bulbs.
- Dig the soil over well, remove weeds and add some compost and aged cow or sheep manure.
- The bulbs should be planted at around 6cm deep and the same distance apart, pointy end up. They will multiply so this spacing gives the room to grow.
These are a fast growing bulb and do multiply reliably. - After planting water in well.
- Make sure that they receive winter rains, or supplementry watering.
After Flowering
- This is a plant that does need a dry summer dormancy, however there is no need to lift the bulbs unless your soil gets wet and soggy over summer.
- If you do lift the bulbs over summer you need to keep them in a cool, dark dry position
- Once the foliage dies back you can remove it easily and then apply a thin layer of mulch .
- If growing in containers re pot every 3 – 4 years to prevent overcrowding and encourage vigour.
You can let then grow in clumps in grassed areas or lawns and simply mow over them when the foliage dies.
Propagation
- You could grow them from seed if you can collect it. Seed is fast to germinates and is best planted in spring.
- The best time to divide Sparaxis bulbs is immediately after the foliage dies back
Quick Facts
- Botanical genus: Sparaxis (Iridaceae family) – about 12–13 species.
- Common name: Harlequin Flower or Wand Flower.
- Growth cycle: Leaves in winter → blooms in spring → dormancy in summer.
- Position: Full sun to part shade.
- Soil: Well-drained soil essential.
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender unless protected.
Garden Uses
- Great for garden borders & edges
- Stunning when naturalised in lawns (mow after foliage dies)
- Perfect in pots & containers
Where To Buy
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
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