Lachenalia aloides African Beauty Namakwa

Lachenalia 'Namakwa', commonly referred to as the Cape Cowslip, is part of a group of small South African bulbous perennials with a typically Mediterranean climate: humid and mild in winter and dry in summer. In the ground, the plant often chooses the end of winter or the beginning of spring to flower, in the form of flowering stems adorned with tubular and bicolor flowers in yellow and purple red, before entering dormancy in the summer. Not very hardy, it is a bulbous plant which likes to be planted in very well-drained, dry soil in summer. Another problem it encounters in our gardens is the competition from neighbouring plants in summer which can make it disappear. For all these reasons, pot cultivation is much easier, allowing you to decorate your patio or window sill.  

Lachenalias are bulbous perennials, deciduous in summer, originating from the Cape province and Namaqualand. They are relatives of Scilla, grape hyacinths and hyacinths, they belong to the Asparagaceae family. Long considered rare plants, the different species of Lachenalia were crossbred in the Netherlands a few years ago. A series of hybrids called African Beauty® was born: these are plants more adapted to indoor cultivation in our climates, like the 'Namakwa' variety. One of the parents of this hybrid is Lachenalia aloides.

In bloom, Lachenalia Namakwa will not exceed 25 cm (9.8 in) in height. The plant first develops two large, long ovate and fleshy leaves, dark green in colour, often spotted with brown, reminiscent of certain orchids (Phalaenopsis). A fleshy stem then emerges between the 2 leaves. Each stem carries numerous 4 cm (1.6 in) long flowers, slightly pendulous. In Namakwa, the tips of the yellow corollas are tinged with dark purple red. These somewhat fragrant spikes bloom for about 3 weeks. After flowering, the leaves turn yellow and then dry out, like those of tulips: the plant enters summer dormancy. It is at this time that it should be kept dry.

Lachenalia have very clear cultivation requirements, which will be easier to provide when grown in pots. They are very often presented in wide pots decorated with moss. One can also try to plant them directly in the ground in Mediterranean coastal gardens away from frost, in a sheltered location, ensuring they are protected from neighbouring plants. They are also lovely plants for a lightly heated conservatory, capable of flowering in winter provided they have been kept dry beforehand for two months. For an even more decorative effect, it is interesting to group several plants in a planter.