Green Cape Cowslip (Lachenalia viridiflora)

Green Cape cowslip (Lachenalia viridiflora) is a rare, winter-growing bulb native to South Africa. A member of the Hyacinthaceae family, it's prized for its unusual, tubular, turquoise-green flowers—a color almost unique in the bulb world.

Description

Bulbous perennial 8–12 inches tall. Leaves are lance-shaped, green, sometimes spotted. Flower spike bears 20–30 tubular flowers, turquoise-green with purple tips, pendulous. Blooms late winter to early spring. Foliage grows in winter; dormant in summer.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 9–11 (winter grower, summer dormant).
• Light: Bright light to full sun.
• Soil: Very well-drained, sandy, poor.
• Water: Winter moisture; completely dry summer.
• Temperature: Cool winters (40–55°F); protect from hard freeze.

Care & Maintenance

Plant bulbs 2–3 inches deep in fall. Water in fall to start growth. Withhold water in summer. Fertilize lightly in winter. Rare; collector's item.

Uses

Specialist bulb collections, alpine houses, Mediterranean-climate containers. Unique color.

Potential Issues

Bulb rot if watered in summer. Requires strict summer drought and cool winter. Rare in cultivation.

A botanical treasure—turquoise-green flowers that defil the typical bulb palette.