Sparaxis
( spar - RAX - iss )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly known as Harlequin Flower, this flowering perennial grows from corms or bulbs and needs full sun and regular water during its growth and blooming periods. They are native to South Africa, and create a clump of leaves that reaches about a foot tall and wide in most species. Flowers bloom on 1.5 foot tall spikes, each with a yellow center. Best when grouped, this flower can bring color and interest to flower or grassy borders. It is great for along pathways, as well, and makes a great addition to cut flower arrangements.
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Sparaxis Species and Varietals
The genus Sparaxis is a member of the plant family Iridaceae and includes about 16 distinct species. Harlequin Flower grows well in zones 9 and 12-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Sparaxis auriculata Native to the western Cape area in South Africa, these flowering plants reach about 20 inches tall when mature, and produce multicolored flowers that are yellow, cream, green, and pink. Foliage is green and strappy. Blooms appear between mid-winter and September on a spike that holds between 5 and 7 flowers each. |
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Sparaxis bulbifera (Harlequin Flower) These perennials grow from bulb and are native to south Africa. These plants have established populations in the Azores and Australia, as well. Individual plants reach between 6 and 24 inches tall when in bloom, and produce white to cream-colored flowers. These plants prefer sandy, waterlogged soils. |
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Sparaxis grandiflora (Plain Harlequin Flower) This species is native to the Western Cape of South Afirca, and is commonly grown as a garden ornamental around the world. The straight species produces white flowers that sometimes have yellow and purple markings or dots towards the bases of petals. Subspecies Sparaxis grandiflora grandiflora has strikingly bright reddish-pink flowers. Plants in this species typically reach around 10 inches tall when in bloom. |
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Sparaxis meterlerkampiae (Synnotia metelerkampiae) These beautiful flowering plants are typically found growing on rocky sandstone slopes in the Northern and Western Cape of South Africa. They have purple flowers with white markings that appear between the months of August through mid-September in the plant's native range. |
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Sparaxis pillansii Native to the Calvinia District of the Northern Cape of South Africa, these plants reach between 10 and 18 inches tall when in bloom. Flowers are rose-pink to reddish-orange with central dark purple to black markings. Anthers are purple-red and twisted. These plants prefer waterlogged conditions. |
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Sparaxis tricolor (Wandflower, Harlequin Flower, Sparaxis) These bulbous plants grow well in well-draining, sunny spots in the garden. It is named for its colorful flowers which are bi- or tri-colored with a golden center and a small ring of brown surrounded by another color (typically orange-red to red). Varietals have flower colors in orange, salmon, pink, red, white, and yellow. Clumps of foliage reach between 1 and 2 feet tall. |
Caring for sparaxis tricolor
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 608, Sparaxis tricolor
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