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Sparaxis tricolor (Harlequin flower)
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2 hours care
per year
per year
0.3m
Max height
Max height
0.4m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Sparaxis tricolor
Other names
Harlequin flower, Fluweeltjie
Genus
Sparaxis Sparaxis
Species
S. tricolor - S. tricolor is a bulbous perennial with star shaped flowers of orange, red, white, yellow and copper on a delicate stem in spring.
Sparaxis tricolor is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect
Flower
Red, Orange, Yellow, White in Spring
Foliage
Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Pruning
Remove faded flowers and foliage as required.
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Sparaxis tricolor (Harlequin flower) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.4m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Conservatory, Containers, Greenhouse, Indoor
Cultivation
Under glass, plant 10cm deep in autumn in pots of loam-based compost with sand & leaf mould. Grow in full light, shaded from hot sun. Water sparingly in growth, keep dry in winter. Outdoors, plant in late autumn in well-drained soil in sun. Mulch in winte
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Sparaxis tricolor
Other names
Harlequin flower, Fluweeltjie
Genus
Sparaxis Sparaxis
Species
S. tricolor - S. tricolor is a bulbous perennial with star shaped flowers of orange, red, white, yellow and copper on a delicate stem in spring.
Native to
South Africa
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect
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Colour
Flower
Red, Orange, Yellow, White in Spring
Foliage
Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Pruning
Remove faded flowers and foliage as required.
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Sparaxis tricolor (Harlequin flower) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.4m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Conservatory, Containers, Greenhouse, Indoor
Cultivation
Under glass, plant 10cm deep in autumn in pots of loam-based compost with sand & leaf mould. Grow in full light, shaded from hot sun. Water sparingly in growth, keep dry in winter. Outdoors, plant in late autumn in well-drained soil in sun. Mulch in winte
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
Defra's Risk register #1
Plant name
Sparaxis tricolor (Harlequin flower)
Common pest name
common blossom thrips; cotton bud thrips; tomato thrips
Scientific pest name
Frankliniella schultzei
Type
Insect
Current status in UK
Absent
Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
2
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
General biosecurity comments
Polyphagous glasshouse pest; present in many countries; single finding in UK.
About this section
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
GARDENS WITH THIS PLANT
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
By west London based garden designer Jonathan Snow. Jonathan’s inspiration for his Trailfinders Garden is the Winelands of the Western Cape of South Africa. read more
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Sparaxis
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