{"id":9190,"date":"2011-02-28T01:03:00","date_gmt":"2011-02-28T06:03:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2020-08-13T18:35:56","modified_gmt":"2020-08-13T22:35:56","slug":"lachenalia-new-classic-and-heirloom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardern.co.za\/2011\/02\/lachenalia-new-classic-and-heirloom\/","title":{"rendered":"Lachenalia: A New Classic and an Heirloom Classic Species"},"content":{"rendered":"
Cape Hyacinth’s, which are not Hyacinths, but are related, are actually a genus called Lachenalia. Grown by bulb collectors and alpine plant enthusiast for years, a new hybrid series has become available which makes the genus more accessible for home gardeners. I buy them for fast and easy greenhouse color, and for novelty sake, since I grow many of the more rare species forms of Lachenalia. I happen to like them both, the easy-to-grow hybrids, and the fussier wild forms. As easy as Paperwhite Narcissus, the new Lachenalia varieties sold under the trade name of ‘African Beauty’ series, is worth searching out.<\/p>\n
\n African Beauty series Lachenalia can be ordered both in the spring and summer catalogs<\/a>, ( when you would order Canna, and Calla’s for use in the garden, or in the Fall Dutch bulb catalogs, when they can be potted up as windowsill bulb plants. Lachenalia hybrids require no chilling, or special care beyond water and bright light. Relatives of the Hyacinth, this yellow variety has a scent which is similar to nutmeg. I would plan on tossing them after the bloom, for these varieties are best grown for one-time displays. The species form of Lachenlia such as Lachenalia aloides, ( the red, yellow and green flower on the right), should be kept from year to year, but it requires a bone dry and hot summer bake in the greenhouse, and a cool, damp winter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n