Harlequin Flower, Wand Flower
| When to Plant: | |
| Fall or Spring; Zone dependent |
| Blooms: | |
| Early Spring to Summer; planting time dependent |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun |
| Plant Height: | ||
| 10-20" | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 8-10. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 2-3" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 3-4" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Corm |
These South African natives bloom best when their environment is cool and moist and remain dormant during hot, dry conditions.
Sparaxis flowers are available in a rainbow of colors, with stark, contrasting centers, hence the name Harlequin Flower. Thin stems producing 1-5 blooms grow above straight, lance-shaped leaves.
Plant Sparaxis in zones 8-10 in the fall. Plant Sparaxis in zones 3-7 in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Plant in a full sun location.
Sparaxis loves soil that is rich, porous and drains well but still holds enough water for the roots. Sparaxis does not like wet, moist areas. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed, add fertilizer and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches.
Plant in groups with corms spaced 3-4" apart for the best show. Sparaxis corms should be planted 2-3" deep. Water thoroughly at planting. Water regularly while growing and in bloom so that water will reach the roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out.
Dig, dry, clean and store in a dry, cool place at 40-50ºF to over winter in non-hardy zones.
Plant Sparaxis in groups of 8-12 for the best display of blooms.
After blooming, remove spent flower stems and allow foliage to naturally die back.
