Lachenalia Ensifolia

Lachenalia ensifolia is a miniature winter-growing bulb from South Africa, formerly placed in the genus Polyxena. Two broad, often prostrate leaves surround compact heads of starry white, pale pink or mauve flowers, sometimes marked with a darker central line and held close to the soil. The species name refers to its sword-shaped foliage, although the whole plant remains small enough for an alpine pot. It grows during the cool, moist months and disappears into a dry summer dormancy, making it a charming subject for a frost-free bulb frame.