Botanical Name: Sparaxis tricolor
Common Name: Harlequin flower
Type of Plant: monocot: perennial
Character deciduous corm
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape small upright clumps of grassy foliage, brightly colored flowers held above foliage; flowers over a long period through the spring
Height to 12"
Spread to 12"
Growth Rate rapid
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors full sun
Soil prefers good drainage
Hardiness some frost – zones 9, 12-24
 
Morphology:
Leaves grassy flattened leaves to 10" forming symmetrical fans which spread nearly from base; midrib present but not prominent
Flowers brightly colored petals with contrasting blotches – colors come in reds, oranges and yellows of different shades, many blooms per stem
Fruit small 3-valved capsule
 
Propagation:
seed, division
 
Usage:
good in mass plantings in sunny beds; naturalizes easily with little care; seeds freely to from dense plantings; good southern California landscapes
 
Landscape Care:
Watering takes moderate watering while growing and flowering; tolerates summer water while dormant
Fertilizing slow-release at planting time
Pruning remove dead leaves after summer die-back
Pests/Diseases none
Special Conditions/Other seeds freely, can be invasive
 
Origin: South Africa
Family: Iridaceae

Notes:
 
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