Gethyum atropurpureum

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very dark purple gethyum

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very dark purple gethyum RHS

Synonyms

Solaria atropurpurea

Bulbs
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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

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–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

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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