Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Iridaceae

Genus:

Sparaxis

Species:

Sparaxis tricolor

USDA Symbol:

SPTR

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

45 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

red, orange, yellow, white, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to South African fynbos where fire is a natural occurrence; resprouts from corms after fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, moderately fertile

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to South African regions with dry summers

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Plant corms in autumn; seed propagation is less common. Seeds germinate best in cool conditions around 55-65°F.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI