Harlequin flower Sparaxis tricolor
Harlequin flower (Sparaxis tricolor) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Clay flats of the Northern Cape (Nieuwoudtville area), South Africa. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 8–15 cm (3–6 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
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Harlequin flower at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 cm (3–6 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 21–29 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Clay flats of the Northern Cape (Nieuwoudtville area), South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
| Invasive in | south-eastern Australia (naturalised in grassland): check local rules before planting |
Is Harlequin flower toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Harlequin flower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Harlequin flower
- How far apart should I plant Harlequin flower?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 cm (3–6 in).
- Does Harlequin flower need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Harlequin flower need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Harlequin flower?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Harlequin flower flower?
- About 21–29 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks.
- Is Harlequin flower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Harlequin flower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Harlequin flower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- Starry flowers of vivid orange, red, pink or yellow with a black and gold centre, in spring, from small corms that rest bone-dry in summer. In cold climates plant in spring or grow in pots.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora