Veltheimia capensis
sand lily
A bulbous perennial to 45cm, with a rosette of strap-shaped, wavy-edged, glaucous leaves and stout purple-spotted stems bearing a terminal raceme of drooping tubular pale pink flowers 3-4cm in length, with darker spots
Other common names
winter veltheimia
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Veltheimia are bulbous perennials with strap-shaped leaves and stout stems each bearing a terminal raceme of nodding, tubular flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (N & W Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in loam-based compost with added sharp sand in full sun. Reduce water as leaves fade and keep just moist when dormant. Intolerant of root disturbance so only repot when congested. Plant in autumn with neck of bulb just above soil surface.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 19-24°C in autumn or remove offsets in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cut flowers
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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