Veltheimia bracteata

RHS Plant Profile

forest lily

Christopher Whitehouse

Other common names

unicorn root

Synonyms

Veltheimia viridifolia Jacq.

Bulbs Houseplants Conservatory Greenhouse

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A species of tender, bulbous perennial to 45cm with a basal rosette of strap-shaped, wavy, glossy leaves. Spikes of tubular pink, white or green flowers appear on upright stems from late winter to early spring, becoming dormant in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: 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, peat-free 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 nitrogen 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

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Houseplants
Patio and container plants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Cut back flowers as they fade

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free