Sparaxis Species, Harlequin Flower
Sparaxistricolor

Family: Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Sparaxis (spa-RAKS-iss)
Species: tricolor (TRY-kull-lur)

Synonym:Ixia tricolor

Synonym:Sparaxis tricolor var. blanda

Synonym:Sparaxis tricolor var. griffinii

Synonym:Sparaxis tricolor var. versicolor

Synonym:Sparaxis versicolor

Category

Alpines and Rock Gardens
Bulbs
Perennials

Water Requirements

Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage

Deciduous

Foliage Color

Unknown

Height

6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Spacing

3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)

Hardiness

USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Can be grown as an annual

Danger

N/A

Bloom Color

Pale Pink
Pink
Rose/Mauve
Magenta (pink-purple)
Fuchsia (red-purple)
Red
Scarlet (dark red)
Coral/Apricot
Orange
Red-Orange
Lavender
Medium Purple
Maroon/Burgundy
White/Near White
Cream/Tan

Bloom Characteristics

Flowers are good for cutting

Bloom Size

Unknown

Bloom Time

Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Unknown

Soil pH requirements

6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Non-patented

Propagation Methods

By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From bulbils
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting

Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored