Cape Lily Veltheimia bracteata
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Cape Lily:
- Description
-
In its native habitat of the Eastern Cape of Africa, Veltheimia bracteata can be found growing in forests and coastal scrub locations. Its common names Cape Lily and Forest Lily arise from this native habitat. This winter-flowering bulb is actively growing through the winter months, with its flowers blooming in late winter to early spring. After blooming, dieback begins and the plant will remain dormant for a period of time. New leaves will appear in late-summer into fall.
In can grow as an evergreen in locations that remain frost-free and have rainfall throughout the year.
Prior to blooming the buds are in an upright position. As they progress, they will arch outward. By the time the buds open they will be nodding downward.
In other than its native locations it is often grown as a houseplant or as a container plant that can be protected from freezing temperatures. Place in a bright location without direct sunlight. Choose a pot that will allow a few years' growth.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious issues. Caterpillars may eat the flower buds. Slugs and snails can cause damage to the leaves.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Cream'
- 'Fuchsia Pink'
Pink flowers - 'Lemon Flame'
Greenish-yellow flowers
- 'Cream'
- 'Cream', 'Fuchsia Pink', 'Lemon Flame'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Cream'
- 'Fuchsia Pink'
Pink flowers - 'Lemon Flame'
Greenish-yellow flowers
- 'Cream'
- 'Cream', 'Fuchsia Pink', 'Lemon Flame'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Veltheimia
- Species:
- bracteata
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Leaf Cutting
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Africa
- Wildlife Value:
- Attractive to birds and butterflies.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Bulb Storage:
- During dormancy, the bulbs should be kept dry.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- If pollination is successful, after the flowers fade, a large 3-winged capsule will appear. The capsules carry small, black, pear-shaped seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Winter
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Typically, blooms are pale pink, lavender-pink, deep rose pink or coral-pink. Occasionally, flowers can be white, pale yellow to yellow-green. The tips of the buds are green, the open flowers are a lighter color at the mouth. The flowers have a speckled rather than even coloring.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Fronds
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Other/more complex
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Undulate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The foliage is showy green and strap-shaped. The edges are wavy and appear as a rosette at the base of the flower stem.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Tall, leafless stems emerge from the low growing foliage.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Vertical Spaces
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Diseases
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Heavy Shade
- Insect Pests
