PlantFiles: Cape Cowslip
Lachenalia aloides

I've had a small colony of L. aloides for 3 years that is grown in a pot in the basement. They are presently (12/06) putting on a fine display. They tend to flop but the use of an orchid ring helps them remain upright. They are under fluorescent lights this year although last year they responded well under a metal halide lamp. I think sucess hinges on a cool growing environment, the mean basement temperature in the winter is 60 degrees F.

I find it hard to believe that many don't grow this little bulbous perennial from South Africa.

Has broad, lance shaped, purple mottled, mid green, basal leaves which die back in early summer. Bears pendant, tubular, bright yellow with scarlet rimmed flowers.

Flowers anywhere between December - April.

This happy little plant will love a position on a windowsill in well drained soil. Is summer dormant and likes to be completely dry during this time. In fact our pots bake hard during the summer and are only noticed again when the leave begin to show in late September. It tolerates a lot of neglect and even thrives on it.

It isn't hardy so needs to be brought indoors in frost prone areas, it will stand a minimum temperature of 37F for a very short period of time.