Bicoloured lampranthus

Lampranthus bicolor

Scientific name

This is a beautiful species; when in bud, it displays the orange-red on the reverse of the petals, and as it opens it reveals their bright yellow upper surface.

Sow seeds in autumn, in trays filled with a mixture of sand and loam. Spread seeds out on top of the mixture and cover with a thin layer of sand. Make sure the trays are well drained. Keep the trays moist and in a well ventilated area. Plant seedlings out when they are about 50 mm high.

Plants can also be propagated from cuttings. Cut soft, young material from a healthy bush. Place cuttings in a mixture of 1:1 perlite and river sand. Ensure that the cutting medium is kept moist. Once cuttings have developed roots, they can be planted out in trays with a mixture of sand and loam.

Lampranthus bicolor is classified as Vulnerable, meaning that it is in high risk of becoming extinct. The populations are declining as a result of development (urban and coastal), invasive alien plants and crop cultivation.