Veltheimia bracteata
Veltheimia bracteata
Veltheimia bracteata
Veltheimia bracteata
Veltheimia bracteata
Forest lily, Unicorn root
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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty
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We guarantee the quality of our plants for a full growing cycle, and will replace at our expense any plant that fails to recover under normal climatic and planting conditions.
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Description
Veltheimia bracteata is a rare South African bulbous plant. It forms a sculptural clump of large, shiny, ribbon-like, green leaves with undulated margins. From late winter, the plant produces a 50cm (20in) tall stem, bearing clusters of inclined pink tubular flowers with a unique appearance. It is not very hardy. It should be grown in a pot outside of coastal areas and the Mediterranean region, where it will beautifully adorn a tropical-inspired understory.
Veltheimia bracteata is a species from the Asparagaceae family. Native to South Africa, it grows in a subtropical climate in coastal understories and scrublands. The small brown bulb, rare in cultivation, gives rise to a rosette of long glossy leaves. They are initially bright green and then turn darker, with aesthetically pleasing undulated margins, each measuring at least 20cm (8in). Mature bulbs develop secondary bulbs, which eventually lead to the formation of a beautiful population. The plant enters dormancy between July and August. During this period, its foliage dries up and completely disappears (except in humid coastal areas), only reappearing in September. It is important not to overwater the plant at this time, as the bulb could rot. From December to April, depending on the region, Veltheimia bulbs that are at least 3 years old produce a curious 50cm (20in) tall spike inflorescence. These spikes consist of dozens of downward-facing tubular flowers in a lovely powdery-pink colour. These curious tropical-looking spikes, which last at least 3 weeks, resemble small pink kniphofias (red-hot pokers).
Veltheimia's subtropical origins mean it is not very hardy. It will tolerate temperatures around -5°C (23°F). The bulb dies beyond -8°C (17.6°F), even with protection. Therefore, it can only be planted in the ground in the mildest coastal areas, in a semi-shaded understory, in moist, well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soil. The bulb does not tolerate drought well. The leaves may sometimes be targeted by slugs and other gastropods. However, this desirable bulbous plant also thrives in pots (with a minimum diameter of 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in)), allowing you to keep it on your patio. Plant the bulb in early autumn, making sure to leave the tip of the bulb exposed above the soil. Avoid moving it afterwards, as the plant's roots do not appreciate disturbance once they are established.
This exotic rarity will create a sensation alongside other southern beauties such as Astelia chathamica 'Silver Shadow', Dianella tasmanica 'Little Rev', the dwarf palm Sabal minor, or at the base of lush tree ferns like Cyathea cooperi.
Veltheimia bracteata in pictures
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Veltheimia
bracteata
Asparagaceae
Forest lily, Unicorn root
South Africa
Planting and care
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a (East Coast and Midlands: Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Portlaoise). It will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the north-west (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal, Westport), delay planting by 1 to 2 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 1 to 2 weeks in autumn compared to the dates given, preferably choosing periods without strong winds.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (Wicklow Mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Connemara, Killarney), it is best to plant in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), avoiding periods of waterlogged soil in winter and strong winds, which pose the main risk to newly planted trees in these areas.
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a, such as the East Coast and Midlands, including Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Portlaoise.
This will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the northwest (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal and Westport), it will be delayed by one to two weeks compared to the given dates, due to stronger Atlantic winds and less spring sunshine.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (the Wicklow Mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Connemara and Killarney), flowering will be delayed by two to three weeks. Flowering mainly occurs between May and July, with the limiting factors being less frost and more of the excessive humidity, strong winds and lack of sunshine that are characteristic of these areas.
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