Photo of Lachenalia elegans var. suaveolens flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Lachenalia elegans var. suaveolens

Also Known As

  • Cape Cowslip

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 12"
  • W: 6"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

Lachenalia elegans var. suaveolens plant details

Lachenalia elegans var. suaveolens is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring blue, burgundy, green and pink flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lachenalia elegans var. suaveolens

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN wide, 12 IN tall
Flowers: blue, burgundy, green and pink blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, floriferous, fragrant, rock garden, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lachenalia elegans var. suaveolens

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An easy to grow species of “Cape Cowslip”, Lachenalia elegans v. suaveolens has blue or pink flowers with conspicuous maroon markings, & is sweetly scented. Lachenalias make charming additions to rock gardens, & are also easy in pots. Like many other Lachenalias, this one also has nicely patterned leaves! Good drainage is important, as is a dry period in the summer.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Lachenalia elegans var. suaveolens plant

How to Grow Lachenalia elegans var. suaveolens

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • green
    • blue
    • burgundy
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glaucous

See other plant types of Lachenalia for your garden

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

10b-11

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 3"-6"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Lachenalia pustulata close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Romaud Cape Hyacinth

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 12"-15"

  • sun
  • regular
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Lachenalia 'Romaud' flower by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

More Options

aka Cape Hyacinth

Plant Type

Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 8"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Lachenalia aloides var. quadricolor flower by J.G. in SF
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4"-7"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Lachenalia viridiflora flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 8"-12"

Width: 6"-8"

  • sun - mostly shade
Photo of Lachenalia bulbifera 'Mango' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant
+5 more Lachenalia
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