Plant Description

Veltheimia bracteata

Veltheimia bracteata

This is a most unusual bulb which hails from South Africa, sometimes known as the forest lily. Its bloom is a dense cluster of tubular flowers (in various shades of pink; there is also a pale yellow one) on a stem to 60 cm, looking rather like a Kniphofia. They come into bloom in late winter and early spring. The flowers are long lasting. The leaves are broad and fleshy, and form a basal rosette. The leaves die back in summer and reappear in late summer or autumn. It grows in part or heavy shade, in humus-rich, well-drained soil. The bulb should be planted with its neck at ground level. It can be grown in a pot. Propagation is by offsets or seed. Snails and slugs should be watched out for, as they may attack the foliage. I received this plant from a kind iGarden member in February 2013. It has performed well in my Sydney garden and is an attractive addition to the late winter/early spring garden.

 

Veltheimia bracteata
Flowers August and September.
Plant Family: Asparagaceae

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