Orbea variegata
star flower
A cactus-like perennial with erect angled stems to 10cm in height, bearing up to 5 star-shaped whitish flowers 5-8cm across, heavily spotted with deep reddish-purple
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Purple White | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Orbea are leafless, clump-forming succulent perennials, the fleshy stems with large teeth on the angles, and showy, funnel-shaped, unpleasantly scented flowers in summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter but water sparingly occasionally to prevent wrinkling
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by cuttings of stem sections after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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