Sparaxis

The genus Sparaxis includes 6 species of bulbous, not very stable deciduous plants. Flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences of 3-6, bloom in late spring and early summer. Sparaxis bulbifera is a 50 cm tall species with belt-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped yellow or white-yellow flowers. Of the plants of the species S. fragrans, the main variety grown is S. fragrans grandiflora, 60 cm high, with various flower colors: white, yellow, and purple. The variety 'Banded' has white flowers with a yellow core of intense color. S. tricolor sparaxis is a 40-50 cm tall species. The leaves are xiphoid (in the shape of a sword), the same length as the flower-bearing stem, on which flat white, yellow, red or purple flowers are formed. There are many varieties and varieties with flowers of different colors, they are sold more often in mixtures.

The genus Sparaxis includes 6 species of bulbous, not very stable deciduous plants. Flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences of 3-6, bloom in late spring and early summer.

Sparaxis bulbifera is a 50 cm tall species with belt-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped yellow or white-yellow flowers.

Of the plants of the species S. fragrans, the main variety grown is S. fragrans grandiflora, 60 cm high, with various flower colors: white, yellow, and purple. The variety 'Banded' has white flowers with a yellow core of intense color.

S. tricolor sparaxis is a 40-50 cm tall species. The leaves are xiphoid (in the shape of a sword), the same length as the flower-bearing stem, on which flat white, yellow, red or purple flowers are formed. There are many varieties and varieties with flowers of different colors, they are sold more often in mixtures.

Cultivation

Various species of the genus Sparaxis are grown in the open ground in borders and flower beds, as flowers for cutting or in pots on balconies and terraces. They are planted in a permanent place in autumn, in well-drained fertile soil, sandy loam or loam, burying corms to a depth of 10 cm. When planting in borders, observe the distance between plants 10-15 cm from each other, and on beds as flowers for cutting - 40-50 cm. For growing in pots, plant 5-6 corms in a pot filled with mixed soil (earth, peat and sand with the addition of 30 g of full mineral fertilizer per bucket). After flowering at the end of June, when the leaves begin to turn yellow, it is recommended to remove the corms from the ground or pot, dry them and store them in a dry room until the next planting in the ground, this can be done even after several years. In spring and summer, once every 20-30 days (only when growing in pots and in low-fertile soil), a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 10 g per bucket.

Location

To make the shoots grow strong, plants should be planted in a brightly lit place.

Temperature

The temperature should not fall below 7 °C. The optimal temperature for growth and development is 15-20 °C.

Watering

All types of sparaxis should be watered regularly from the moment the bulbs are planted until the first leaves bloom. Then, during the entire vegetative period, they are watered only if the land dries up.

Care

Remove faded flower-bearing stems and damaged leaves.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in August-September or March in containers filled with seed soil, which are kept in a cool closed room. Seedlings are thinned out, and then planted in the ground in the fall. They are also propagated by separating in autumn and winter from the mother bulbs of children, which are immediately planted on a permanent landing site. In both cases, the plants bloom in 2-3 years.

Diseases

In waterlogged or poorly drained soil, plants are susceptible to root rot, which almost always leads to death. The only safety measure is to use suitable land. Another problem, also related to soil characteristics, is chlorosis. The leaves take on a light green color, and growth slows down significantly. Iron chelate treatment is performed.

Acquisition

Among the described species, Sparaxis tricolor has the widest selection of cultivars, which can be found in firms specializing in bulbous plants, or in horticultural centers. When buying, make sure that the bulbs are healthy and free of mold. Plants that are just beginning to bloom should be compact.

Among the described species, Sparaxis tricolor has the widest selection of cultivars, which can be found in firms specializing in bulbous plants, or in horticultural centers.

When buying, make sure that the bulbs are healthy and free of mold. Plants that are just beginning to bloom should be compact.