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Gethyum atropurpureum

very dark purple gethyum

A winter-growing, summer-dormant, perennial bulbous plant from Chile; where it inhabits sharply-draining, poor soils on rocky slopes, often in dry forests. Narrow-petalled brownish star-shaped flowers are produced in winter and spring and can smell unpleasantly of carrion when they are mature

Synonyms
Solaria atropurpurea
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Red
Summer
Autumn
Winter Brown Red
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Gethyum is a small, bulbous genus in the onion family with star-shaped flowers that superficially resemble orchids

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C Chile

How to grow

Cultivation

As a summer-dormant bulb growth commences in autumn. Water sparingly initially and moderately when in full growth. The plant needs a sharply-draining growing medium and is intolerant of permanently wet soil. Withhold watering as leaves die down in summer and the bulb enters dormancy

Propagation

Propagate by seed and offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Prune back dead leaves and flower stems

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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