Massonia echinata
prickly massonia
A winter-active bulb producing a pair of broad, rounded leaves up to 25cm long, which lie flat on the ground, and may be smooth, hairy or pustulated. The purple-tinged white flowers are honey-scented and appear in winter
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Purple White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Massonia are bulbous perennials with two oblong to elliptic leaves and dense heads of white or pink flowers of which the large stamens are the prominent part, usually opening in winter
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a frost-free greenhouse in pots of free-draining compost. Start into growth by watering from early autumn, feeding monthly with a phosphate-free liquid feed. Removal of flowers as soon as they fade will help to avoid problems with grey mould. Stop watering when the leaves start to yellow in spring
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
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