Lachenalia aloides African Beauty Rupert

Lachenalia 'Rupert', commonly referred to as the Cape Cowslip or occasionally the Wild Hyacinth, is part of a group of small South African bulbous perennials which like a typically Mediterranean climate: humid and mild in winter and dry in summer. Plant at the end of winter or the very beginning of spring. Its leaves and flower heads are reminiscent of a hyacinth, but its central stem is pale green, speckled with brown, and its flowers are tubular and translucent and in a pretty range of mauve, pink and pale purple. This bulbous plant does not tolerate frost and requires dry soil in summer. Another problem it encounters in our gardens is competition from neighbouring plants in summer which can cause it to 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 the summer, originating from the Cape province and Namaqualand. They are relatives of Scilla, grape hyacinths and hyacinths, belonging 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® were created: these are plants more suited to indoor cultivation in our climates, like the 'Rupert' variety. The parent of this cultivar is called Lachenalia aloides.

In flower, Lachenalia Rupert will not exceed 30 cm (11.8 in) in height. The plant first develops long and wide fleshy leaves, of a bright green colour, often maculate with brown. A fleshy stem, of a pale yellow-green colour speckled with light brown, emerges between the leaves. Each stem carries numerous flowers 4 cm (1.6 in) long, slightly pendulous. In Rupert, the mauve to pale pink corollas are tinged with violet pink at their ends. These spikes bloom for about 3 weeks. After flowering, the leaves turn yellow and then dry out, like those of tulips : the plant goes into summer dormancy. It is at this time that it will need to be kept dry.

Lachenalia have very clear cultivation requirements, which will be easier to provide when grown in pots. They are very often displayed 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.