Wachendorfia thyrsiflora
panicled-flowered bloodroot
A clump-forming perennial with furry red roots and tubers and narrow, arching, pleated, evergreen leaves up to 1m long. Bright yellow, star-shaped flowers are produced in spires up to 2m tall in early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Haemodoraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Wachendorfia are evergreen perennials developing from bright red tubers. The basal leaves are broadly-linear, parallel-veined and pleated. Upright flower stems are studded with star-shaped yellow blooms
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors needs a frost-free position with moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Alternatively grow in a cool greenhouse, ideally planted directly into the border, or in pots of peat-free, loam-based compost
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13-18C in autumn or spring, or by separating tubers in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut down flowering stems once blooms fade
Pests
Susceptible to slug and snail damage
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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