Ledebouria cooperi
A half-hardy, bulbous perennial to 20cm tall, with semi-erect, linear basal leaves with bold purple stripes. In summer it produces a flowerspike bearing numerous tiny, bell-shaped purple-pink flowers, tipped or striped green. Best grown in a cool greenhouse or alpine trough
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Central South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand, planting the bulb so that the neck is above soil level. Position in full light and water freely while in growth, applying a high-potash fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter. Outdoors, grow in freely-draining soil in a sheltered site in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed or removing offsets
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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