Sparaxis tricolor, commonly known as the Harlequin Flower, is a beautiful, easy-to-manage perennial belonging to the Iridaceae family. It produces brightly colored and patterned blooms that add lovely splashes of accent colors to any garden. These cormous perennials form wiry stalks and can yield up to five star-shaped open flowers at the same time. Harlequin Flowers come in vibrant red, yellow, orange, lavender and white shades, their petals marked with a prominent yellow center ringed in black, hence its common name.
Although quite a hardy species, the Harlequin Flower prefers full sun and warm temperatures. As such, it is best planted in spring directly where they are meant to grow, as they do not bode well with being transplanted. They are, however, quite drought resistant, so a glassy soil with good drainage, be it acidic, neutral or alkaline, is more than enough for them to thrive.
Meaning and Symbolism
The Harlequin Flower’s common name stems from the intricate yellow petal designs, the prominent yellow ring around its center, which resemble the motley, geometric patterns of the traditional Harlequin costume. As such, it is often associated with joy, merriment and the visualisation of infinite possibilities for extravagant fun.
The Harlequin Flower is also strongly connected to the concept of perseverance and new beginnings. Its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions and blossom continuously from spring to late summer is often seen as a reminder that no matter how harsh and difficult the circumstances, the possibility of new and better times will eventually come true.
History and Religious Significance
Harlequin Flowers have been quite popular throughout history, with the population of Europe growing them extensively in the 18th century, particularly in rural areas. Later on, their cultivation saw a decline and eventually stabilised, although their appeal in the form of ornamental plants remains quite strong to this day.
In terms of religious significance, the Harlequin Flower has long been associated with Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The evergreen habit of this resilient species is also often seen as a symbol of Christian Unity.
Varieties and Their Defining Characteristics
The Harlequin Flower comes in various different colours and varieties. Commonly recognised varieties include:
– Sparaxis tricolor, or Watsonia: This is the most widely distributed type of Harlequin Flower, and is characterised by vibrant red and yellow flowers. It grows to a height of around 30cm and produces flower spikes of up to 15cm in length.
– Sparaxis grandifolia, also known as Grand Harlequinflower: This is generally considered a rare species, as it is only found in the arid regions of Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, with some specimens being found in Zimbabwe as well. It generally grows to a height of around 80cm and produces large flower spikes up to 30cm in length.
– Sparaxis tricolor ‘Albiflora’: This variety of Harlequin Flower produces white petals with a delicate pink hue and is often found in Spain. It is considerably shorter than the other species, growing up to a mere 15cm in height, but still manages to produce a generous bloom of up to 15cm in length.
How to Pot and Repot
Harlequin Flowers are particularly easy to pot and repot, as their cormous nature makes them ideal for adjusting to new pots and provide abundant blooms in response. When potting the Harlequin Flower, ensure the soil is well-draining and preferably acidic, as the species prefers it that way. The pot should have at least one drainage hole, whilst being wide and deep enough for the corm to be fully immerse in the soil.
Smaller varieties of Harlequin Flowers should be repotted only when the corm has outgrown its current pot – usually every 3 to 5 years. Usually, this is when their leaves start to yellow and their flowering has ceased. Repotting should be done using a basic potting mix, preferably one that is acidic, as the species prefers that for its optimal growth.
How to Prune
Harlequin Flowers are very tolerant of light pruning, as long as it’s done correctly and in the right manner. The right time to prune them is right after they have finished blooming, as that’s when they’re preparing to enter their dormant period. Pruning should be done only lightly, taking care to remove only the dead, wilting and excessively long leaves. Never attempt to prune them while they are in the dormancy phase, as that will leave the flower severely weakened and unable to properly regenerate the following season.
How to Propagate
Harlequin Flowers can be propagated with both seeds and bulbils. For sowing from seed, the most suitable time window is from late summer to mid-autumn, as that’s when the species is preparing to go into its dormant phase. As for bulbils, that should be done in spring or early autumn, when the weather has just cooled down and allows for optimum seed or bulbil germination.
For propagation from seed, plant them in well-draining, sandy soil and place the pot in a sunny spot. As for bulbils, they can be planted in a pot, preferably one that is wide and deep enough to accommodate their root systems. Bulbils should be planted around 2.5 to 5cm in-depth, whilst making sure that the potting soil stays nice and moist.
Common Pests and Diseases
Harlequin Flowers are relatively resistant to diseases and pests, but mildew, white rot, fungi, aphids and caterpillars can still prove to be a problem if the plants are grown in overly moist or acidic soils. To prevent this from happening, it is important to ensure proper soil drainage and to avoid over-fertilising them.
As for caterpillars, they can be prevented with insecticidal soaps or traps around the base of the plant. For aphids, simply washing the leaves with a hose is enough to get rid of them, as they are quite sensitive to water.
Three Frequently Asked Questions About Sparaxis Tircolor
Q. Can I propagate Harlequin Flowers from seed?
Yes, Harlequin Flowers can be propagated from seed. The best time to do so is from late summer to mid-autumn, when the species is about to enter its dormant phase.
Q. How often should I repot Harlequin Flowers?
Harlequin Flowers should be repotted every three to five years or when the corm has outgrown its current pot. Signs of overpotting include yellowing of the leaves and a decrease in flowering.
Q. How can I prevent Harlequin Flowers from being attacked by pests?
To prevent Harlequin Flowers from being attacked by pests, ensure that the soil is well-draining and contains no excessive acidity and fertilisers. Furthermore, insecticidal soaps can be used against caterpillars, and aphids can be washed away by simply spraying the leaves with water.
Table Fact Sheet
| Harlequin Flower | Sparaxis tricolor |
|---|---|
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Plant Type: | Perennial |
| Mature Size: | 30cm (Sparaxis grandifolia up to 80cm) |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Type: | Well-draining, sandy soil |
| Soil pH: | Acidic, Neutral or Alkaline |
| Bloom Time: | Spring to late Summer |
| Flower Color: | Red, Yellow, Orange, Lavender, White |
| Hardiness Zones: | 7-11 |
| Native Area: | Southern Africa |
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