Overview
Gethyllis grandiflora is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Gethyllis, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with linear, fleshy leaves foliage. Gethyllis grandiflora 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. It is native to Cape Provinces.
About
Gethyllis grandiflora is a clump-forming member of the Amaryllidaceae with linear, fleshy leaves. It originates from the Cape Provinces. In the UK it flowers June to August. It suits south-facing, sheltered positions in neutral, well-drained loam and is recommended for conservatories, greenhouses and 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 grandiflora is a clump-forming Amaryllidaceae native to the Cape Provinces. The plant carries linear, fleshy leaves and produces flowers in the UK between June and August. Its architectural foliage and summer flowering make it a candidate for protected, sunlit displays rather than exposed borders. Cultivate this species in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect; it prefers neutral, well-drained loam and will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. The plant is rated H4 (average) for UK hardiness, so place it where cold winds are minimised — a conservatory, greenhouse or a bright indoor pot will suit it especially well. Keep compost free-draining and avoid heavy, moisture-retentive mixes by adding grit or sharp sand if needed. For placement, choose a site where the fleshy leaves receive direct light to encourage flowering between June and August. Containers allow easier control of soil type and shelter through winter. Position plants where they will benefit from full sun and protection from prevailing wind to make best use of their summer bloom period.
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 grandiflora size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Linear, fleshy leaves
- Suggested uses
- Conservatories, greenhouses, indoor pots
- Native to
- Cape Provinces
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gethyllis grandiflora
- Propagation
- Offsets, seeds
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gethyllis grandiflora?
Gethyllis grandiflora prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gethyllis grandiflora need?
Gethyllis grandiflora grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gethyllis grandiflora hardy in the UK?
Gethyllis grandiflora 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 grandiflora?
Offsets, seeds.