Lachenalia Red Soldier Boys

Joyous red flowers to break winters dull days. These drought avoiders (summer dormant) bulbs are rarely seen and well worth a grow. It has two semi erect, strappy leaves with heavy purple/brown spotting – a great feature. The 30cm flower stems boast numerous 3cm red to orange flowers ready to stop traffic!

Lachenalia look good planted at the front of beds and borders, in rockeries, along pathways or in pots. Flower can vary in intensity between red and orange.

Lachenalia bulbifera holds the prestigious RHS Award Of Garden Merit, so you know it not only looks good but is easy to grow and great in the garden.

Lachenalias are South African natives that thrive with winter rain. To grow at their best, Lachenalia pendula need sharply drained soil and a sunny spot. They will tolerate some shade but flower better with a good dose of sun.

Plant 2-3cm deep and space 5-10cm apart. Water in then keep just moist in growth. Add a little fertiliser when they begin to grow and that is about all you will need to do. These are easy care bulbs that can be left in the ground to naturalise.

Try combining the early flowering Lachenalia with other early spring bulbs such Grape Hyacinths, early Daffodils or Spring star flowers.

Lachenalia bulbifera was previously Lachenalia pendula. It is commonly known as Red Soldier Boys or Bulb Bearing Leopard Lily.