Sparaxis Species, Harlequin Flower

No idea where they came from originally, but we have them and I like them-they grow well with no care and get about a foot tall here in C...Read Moreitrus Heights, CA, and are not fussy to care for- they do have a tendency to pop up around the yard here and there, possibly transported by birds or squirrels. We had mostly red ones and so I bought some of other colors, which came up, but in short order I again had only red ones- the other colors apparently either died off, or else changed colors. My 4 O'clocks have done the same thing-I end up with only magenta or magenta with yellow. Does anyone know about something that affects color of these plants, sort of like with hydrangeas going from pink to blue?

Well I didn't catch it at the time but these flowers are not supposed to grow in my zone and they struggled greatly during the winter.......Read Morebut they made it through. And I am so glad now I didn't notice the zone requirement when I ordered them because I have really enjoyed these little flowers and their spectacular markings. They may be tall for other people but either because of the winter struggle, imaturity or bad soil; they were small for me. I really hope they make it through many more winters for me. Also, I appreciate the comments about letting them go to seed. I have been deadheading but will stop and see what happens. Update: These plants emerge in the Fall here, and after letting them go to seed, Yes - I have babies. I mention the fall sprouting though because if you grow them in this climate, they need watering. Also, the previously established plants appear to have reimmerged. They have done really good this winter. However, we did not drop below 20 degrees yet as we did last winter. I like to find flowers I can grow among Irises (which are a passion). These seem like one of those good choices because they multiply but at a controlable rate and they are beautiful but will not overwhelm the Irises.

Somewhat hide-and-seek...a surprise to find them...they have such a bright center that it wakes up the surrounding greenery.

25 small bulbs planted Oct. '07 and since have rapidly multiplied and provided most eye-catching color patterns. Leaves are vulnerable t...Read Moreo gastropods.