Bulbs from South Africa

Cape cowslip (Lachenalia tricolor) Photo: Earl Nickel

The Cape Floral Kingdom, at the southernmost tip of Africa, contains the richest diversity of colorful bulbs found anywhere in the world. Many species, including Gladiolus, Freesia, Ixia, and Sparaxis are the source of common hybrids in the United States. South African bulbs can be divided into two categories: those that bloom in late winter or early spring and prefer a dry summer, and those that are summer blooming and winter dormant. These natural growing cycles are influenced by ocean currents, altitude, rainfall, and seasonal temperatures.

Sparaxis grandiflora ssp. grandiflora. Photo: Annie’s Annuals & Perennials

Winter Bloomers

Lachenalia viridiflora. Photo: Annie’s Annuals & Perennials

Lachenalia is one of the most varied and interesting of all South African bulbs and is among the earliest of the winter-blooming bulbs; some species send up shoots in late fall. Several of the species produ...