Some gardeners like to plant bulbs and
others just like to have the bulbs in the ground, planted. If you fall into the
second group, you'll like Sparaxis!
These bulbs need just two inches of soil
over them and can often be planted by just poking them in with your finger.
What a quick and easy way to plant these bulbs; in a few minutes, you're
done!
In late spring, plant corms 2-3 inches deep
and 3-4 inches apart in sandy, well-drained soil in a sheltered area. Grow in
full sun, and in the autumn, dig and store the bulbs indoors for the winter in
colder areas. They grow 10-14 inches in height and bloom May and July. Late
in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into
dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your sparaxis will rest for a
few months before beginning the next growing cycle.
The Sparaxis or Harlequin flower,
'Sparaxis', is a fall planted bulb that produces lovely mixed colored flowers
including orange, white, yellow, red, purple, and pink. This plant has
sword-shaped leaves and star-shaped flowers. The Harlequin flower looks great
in beds, borders, gardens and containers. The flowers are regular, with the
circular arrangement of six tepals united at the base to form an open flower
with a very short flower tube.