About
A winter-growing, summer-dormant, perennial bulbous plant from Chile; where it inhabits sharply-draining, poor soils on rocky slopes, often in dry forests. Narrow-petalled brownish star-shaped flowers are produced in winter and spring and can smell unpleasantly of carrion when they are mature.
About the genus
Gethyum is a small, bulbous genus in the onion family with star-shaped flowers that superficially resemble orchids
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toC Chile
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationAs a summer-dormant bulb growth commences in autumn. Water sparingly initially and moderately when in full growth. The plant needs a sharply-draining growing medium and is intolerant of permanently wet soil. Withhold watering as leaves die down in summer and the bulb enters dormancy
PruningPrune back dead leaves and flower stems
PropagationPropagate by seed and offsets
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free