Tritonia laxifolia

Tritonia laxifolia (synonym Montbretia laxifolia) is a small South African bulbous plant, rare in cultivation, not very hardy, which is generally grown in pots in our climates. In summer, a clump of small narrow leaves emerges, with short flowering stems, each carrying about ten delicate small flowers in a chamois orange colour, carried on the same side of the stem. You will plant the bulbs in spring in a lovely pot, to be stored in a frost-free place during winter, in a cold greenhouse or a conservatory. In frost-free coastal gardens, plant them in small groups in a rockery or in a well-drained bed, remaining moist during the growth and flowering period, but dry for the rest of the year.

Tritonia laxifolia belongs to the Iridaceae family. This botanical species is native to a region ranging from the Eastern Cape in South Africa to the south of Tanzania. In nature, this small plant of grassy slopes has a winter vegetation (mild and humid winter) and blooms in late summer. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with a globose corm as its storage organ. The foliage forms a small clump of 4 to 6 linear leaves, shaped like swords, resembling those of gladioli. The flowering occurs in summer in our climates. The flowering stems, often branched, measure about 15-20cm (6-8in) in height. The small flowers have a long tube that widens into 6 rounded petals of orange colour, finely edged with red. The upper petal is larger, the 3 small lower petals are adorned with small horn-like yellow protrusions. The plant goes into dormancy for a while after flowering, preferably in a fairly dry soil.

Tritonia laxifolia, a lovely plant sought after by enthusiasts of South African bulbous plants, has certain requirements. Growing it in a pot allows easy control of the moisture in the growing medium, an important factor for success, and allows to keep the corms at a mild temperature in winter. Resembling a dwarf Crocosmia, this Tritonia will particularly blend well with warm-toned daylilies or Freesias.