Homeria, Cape Tulip: Planting, Growing, and Care

Description and Botany

The Homeria, sometimes nicknamed “Cape Tulip,” is a bulbous plant from the Iridaceae family, much like irises and corn lilies (Ixia) to which it bears a resemblance. It originates from the Cape region in South Africa, where it grows on sandy and rocky slopes up to high altitudes, in plains and pastures.

Formerly classified under the genus Homeria, it now belongs to the Moraea genus, which includes 32 species, only a few of which are cultivated; Homeria ochroleuca (synonym Moraea ochroleuca), Homeria flaccida (syn. Moraea flaccida), H. collina, H. comptonii, H. elegans, and H. lilicina, with pale mauve flowers, not to mention their hybrids.

This herbaceous plant develops from an underground storage organ in the form of a perennial corm. This is a rounded and flattened bulb-like structure covered with a fibrous tunic. From this small bulb, about 2 cm in diameter, emerges an upright and slender clump that rises to 40–75 cm when in flower. In milder regions, the clump thickens over time, returning faithfully each year.

The foliage consists of long, deciduous, narrow, linear, and ribbon-like leaves, bright green in colour. The basal leaves measure from 20 cm up to 1 m in length, enveloping the flower stem at the base and featuring longitudinal veins. They emerge from the base and fan out, forming an elegant clump that will persist in winter only in mild climates. A few smaller, narrow sword-shaped leaves are present on the upper part of the stems. This slender foliage, folded in half, disappears completely in summer, marking a period of dormancy, only to reappear in autumn and persist depending on the winter’s severity. Shortly after flowering, in early summer, the foliage dries up, and the plant enters a resting phase.

Carried in twos or threes at the top of tall, rigid, slender, and sometimes slightly zigzagging stems, the flowers appear. Flowering occurs from March–April to July, depending on the species and climate, in the form of stylish, delicate flowers. Discreet yet elegant, the inflorescences bloom into open, fragrant cups measuring 3 to 7 cm in diameter, formed by six elongated petals arranged in a staggered pattern. They open wide under the sun to reveal their long, thick style and stamens. Their shape somewhat resembles that of certain botanical tulips. They display rather unusual colours, typically in a palette of fruity tones, ranging from yellow to orange, including melon, salmon, apricot, peach, or greenish-yellow. They are always brightened by a throat speckled with yellow or orange. With a translucent texture, the delicate petals reveal fine veins.

Homeria ochroleuca (© Vahe Martirosyan), Homeria flaccida and Moraea polystachya

This very elegant flowering is, alas, short-lived. Once open, each flower lasts only one to two days, but the flowers succeed one another over 4 to 6 weeks. They compensate for their brevity with their abundance and pleasant musky fragrance.

Nectariferous, they are crowned with butterflies and bees that delight in their pollen and nectar.

The flowers turn into fruits, plump green capsules that turn brown when ripe, containing numerous small brown seeds.

Main species and varieties

Homeria ochroleuca - Cape tulip

This Cape tulip blooms in April, displaying pale yellow flowers with an orange centre, and is fragrant. It adds colour and fragrance to rockeries and flower beds.

• Flowering time April, May
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Homeria flaccida - Cape tulip

This species blooms from May to July, depending on the climate, with orange or salmon-pink tulips. Perfect for enhancing your terrace or balcony during the warmer months.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Planting Homeria bulbs

Where to Plant the Cape Tulip?

Native to Africa, Homeria is a not very hardy plant, best suited for outdoor cultivation in Mediterranean climates with mild winters. The corm of the Cape Tulip perishes below -5°C. Being frost-sensitive, it should be grown in pots and stored frost-free elsewhere during winter. Resistant to summer drought, it is a bulbous plant well-adapted to the Mediterranean coast. However, it dislikes heavy, waterlogged soils, which can cause the corm to rot during its dormancy period.

If your climate allows for outdoor cultivation, plant it in a sheltered spot or at the foot of a warm, sunny wall protected from strong winds. To prevent corm rot, it is essential to grow them in a light, well-draining substrate. A humus-rich, moderately fertile soil will work well. In heavy soils, planting in a rock garden or on a raised mound is preferable.

Planted in small groups rather than singly, the Cape Tulip brightens up rock gardens and is ideal for adding elegance, colour, and lightness to borders or perennial beds.

Since the foliage yellows quickly after flowering, it’s best to pair it with plants that will take over during its summer dormancy to avoid gaps in summer compositions.

When to Plant Homeria?

Homeria bulbs should be planted in spring, from March to May. In mild climates, they can also be planted in autumn.

Homeria (Moraea) tricolor

How to Plant Cape Tulip Bulbs?

In the Ground

Cape Tulip bulbs should be planted in small groups of 10 for a natural look. I recommend avoiding planting too many, as their flowering is short-lived and the foliage withers quickly. Like most flowering bulbs, they require a light, well-draining soil. If your soil is clayey, be sure to add coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage.

• Loosen the soil well
• Using a bulb planter, dig holes
• Spread a layer of sand or gravel directly beneath the corms
• Plant the corms 10 cm deep, pointed end up, spaced 10-15 cm apart
• Cover the bulbs with soil and firm down
• Water
• Keep dry in summer

In Pots

• Spread a good drainage layer of clay pebbles, pumice, or gravel at the bottom of a pot at least 20-30 cm in diameter and depth
• Plant 2-3 corms, pointed end up, in a mix of 50% compost and 50% river sand
• Cover with soil and firm down
• Water thoroughly

Maintenance and Care

In the Ground

Plan for moderate watering during the leaf growth period. During the flowering period, increase watering: once a week during growth if the soil is very dry. Reduce watering gradually as the leaves dry and yellow to ensure bulb dormancy in dry soil: the corms need a rest period after flowering to replenish their reserves. Keep the bulbs almost dry during their summer dormancy. Only cut the foliage when it is completely dry.

In areas at the limit of hardiness, to protect the corms from the cold, place a thick layer of organic mulch over the stumps.

If you live in a region with a cold climate, you will need to dig up the corms in autumn to protect them from frost. Store them in a dry, airy, cool, frost-free place, safe from rodents. You can replant them in spring.

Dividing the clumps every 4-5 years helps rejuvenate the plant.

Homeria is not susceptible to diseases or parasitic attacks.

In Pots

Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season but never allow water to stagnate in the saucers: water once to three times a week.

Top-dress in spring with a little compost or potting soil.

When the foliage has completely yellowed, it’s time to stop watering and mulch the corms if the pot is left outside over winter. In cold regions, store the pot in a dry, cool, frost-free place.

Multiplication

Separating the corms is the simplest method to propagate the Cape Tulip. Do this every 4 to 5 years during the dormancy period when the flowering cycle is fully complete. They will flower after 2-3 years.

1. Dig up the clump using a garden fork
2. With a small, sharp knife, detach the small bulbils that have formed around the mother bulb
3. Replant them in the garden in well-draining soil or in pots
4. Water

Associate

The Cape Tulip is best planted in small groups in the middle of a rockery or to fill out a sunny flower bed. It adds elegance and dynamism to summer or spring compositions.

For an exotic touch, mix Homeria flaccida bulbs with summer-flowering perennials; such as Kniphofias, Cape Daisies (Osteospermum), crocosmias, Cannas, and other blooms in warm tones. They also pair well with gladioli.

Plant Homeria ochroleuca in sunny rockeries alongside simple flowers like snapdragons and wallflowers or small spring bulbs such as botanical tulips or daffodils, which bloom at the same time.

It will also thrive alongside other plants native to South Africa, such as the Cape Aster or Felicia, an undershrub covered all summer with extraordinary sky-blue daisies, or Gazania, another annual with brightly coloured daisy-like flowers. Accentuate the display with clumps of ornamental grasses like pennisetum, which has a more relaxed habit.

Homeria ochroleuca, Kniphofia, gladioli, and Crocosmia crocosmiiflora ‘Sunglow’