Overview
Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Gethyllis, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with linear, fleshy leaves foliage. Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include conservatories, greenhouses and indoor pots.
About
Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius is a clump-forming member of the Amaryllidaceae with linear, fleshy leaves and a summer flowering habit. It flowers in the UK from June to August. Plants prefer full sun on neutral loam that drains freely and a sheltered, south-facing aspect. Suited primarily to controlled environments such as conservatories, greenhouses or indoor pots.
About the genus
Gethyllis, commonly called Kukumakranka, Koekemakranka, or Kroekemakrank, is a genus of bulbous plant in the amaryllid family with some 33 accepted species. It is native to the Cape Provinces, the Northern Provinces and the Free State of South Africa, as well as Botswana and Namibia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Gethyllis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gethyllis
In the garden
Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius is a clump-forming Amaryllidaceae prized for its fleshy, linear leaves and summer display; in the UK its flowering season runs from June to August. The plant's habit and leaf texture make it a compact subject for contained growing rather than open borders. Give it full sun and a south-facing, sheltered spot where the soil is a neutral loam with excellent drainage. The combination of well-drained loam and shelter reduces the risk of rot around the bulb and helps the fleshy leaves retain firmness through active growth. Its UK hardiness is H4, which corresponds to average garden conditions rather than extreme cold tolerance, so protection from prolonged severe frost is sensible. Its most practical uses are under glass or in pots: place it on a sunny greenhouse bench or in a conservatory where you can control exposure and soil. A neutral loam mix in a pot, kept free-draining, will support leaf growth and the June–August flowering period. Positioning the pot on a south-facing shelf will maximise light for both foliage and blooms and allows close inspection of the plant's seasonal development.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gethyllis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Linear, fleshy leaves
- Suggested uses
- Conservatories, greenhouses, indoor pots
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius
- Propagation
- Offsets, seeds
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius?
Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius need?
Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius hardy in the UK?
Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Gethyllis barkerae subsp. paucifolius?
Offsets, seeds.