Sparaxis tricolor (Harlequin flower)

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

Orange, Yellow, White, Red in Spring

Foliage

Green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs , Snails

General care

Pruning

Remove faded flowers and foliage as required.

Propagation methods

Division

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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: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/