Veltheimia bracteata
forest lily
A bulbous perennial to 45cm with a basal rosette of strap-shaped, undulate, glossy leaves, and spike-like racemes of tubular pink flowers on stout erect purplish stems
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | Pink | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Green Purple | Pink |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Veltheimia are bulbous perennials with strap-shaped leaves and stout stems each bearing a terminal raceme of nodding, tubular flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Best container grown in a loam-based compost with added sharp sand and in full sun. Grow under glass but can be placed outside in warm weather. Re-pot only when congested to avoid root disturbance; plant in autumn with neck of bulb just above soil surface. Water freely when in growth and apply a low bitrogen liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Keep just moist when dormant. Needs protection from frost and low temperatures
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn or offsets in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Cut back flowers as they fade
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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