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
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Brown Red | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter | Brown Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical 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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