Wachendorfia thyrsiflora
panicled-flowered bloodroot
A clump-forming perennial with furry red roots and tubers and narrow, arching, pleated, evergreen leaves up to 1m long. Bright yellow, star-shaped flowers are produced in spires up to 2m tall in early summer
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Haemodoraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Wachendorfia are evergreen perennials developing from bright red tubers. The basal leaves are broadly-linear, parallel-veined and pleated. Upright flower stems are studded with star-shaped yellow blooms
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors needs a frost-free position with moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Alternatively grow in a cool greenhouse, ideally planted directly into the border, or in pots of loam-based compost
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13-18C in autumn or spring, or by separating tubers in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut down flowering stems once blooms fade
Pests
Susceptible to slug and snail damage
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.