Sparaxis tricolor aka Three Color Harlequin Flower

Sparaxis tricolor is a corm-forming perennial in the iris family, Iridaceae. Its common names include harlequin flower, fluweeltjie, and wandflower. It comes from South Africa’s Cape region. Kew places its native range on the northern Bokkeveld Escarpment. It grows in a subtropical climate in its home range. The plant loses its leaves during its dormant season. Its growth and rest periods shape the care it needs.

This small plant has a narrow, upright form. Garden plants reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall. Their spread reaches about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. The narrow leaves stand upright and reach 1 foot [0.3 metres] long. Flower stems rise to about 1.5 feet [0.45 metres]. The RHS gives one to two years as the time to maturity. Its small size suits pots on patios and growing under glass.

Flowers appear in spring and early summer, in small clusters. Each bloom opens into a broad funnel shape. The flowers may be red, orange, or purple. Yellow centres contrast with black or dark red marks around them. These marks give the flowers their three-coloured look. The RHS lists the plant for containers and Mediterranean-style gardens. After bloom, remove the spent flower stems. Leave the foliage in place until it dies back on its own.

The RHS lists full sun as its preferred garden position. Under glass, give good light but shade it from hot sun. Choose a sheltered site facing south or west. Use loam that drains well; acid, neutral, and alkaline soils suit it. For pots, use peat-free, loam-based compost with sand and leaf mould. Plant the corms in autumn, about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] deep. Keep plants cool and water sparingly during growth. Reduce watering as the flowers fade. Keep dormant corms dry throughout their rest period.

The RHS rates this species H2 for UK conditions. It tolerates low temperatures but does not survive freezing. Glasshouse growing provides the protected setting described in its care guidance. The RHS reports few problems with pests or diseases. To raise more plants, sow ripe seed in cold-frame containers. You can also separate offsets while the plant is dormant.