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Cape Lily Veltheimia bracteata

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.

More information on Veltheimia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Cream'
  • 'Fuchsia Pink'
    Pink flowers
  • 'Lemon Flame'
    Greenish-yellow flowers
'Cream', 'Fuchsia Pink', 'Lemon Flame'
Tags:
#evergreen#bulb#showy flowers#deciduous#houseplant#drought tolerant#perennial bulbs#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Cream'
  • 'Fuchsia Pink'
    Pink flowers
  • 'Lemon Flame'
    Greenish-yellow flowers
'Cream', 'Fuchsia Pink', 'Lemon Flame'
Tags:
#evergreen#bulb#showy flowers#deciduous#houseplant#drought tolerant#perennial bulbs#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#container plant#perennial
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Tall, leafless stems emerge from the low growing foliage.
  • 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