Overview
Hessea mathewsii is a plant with a bulbous perennial, 20-30 cm tall habit in the genus Hessea, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous, narrow, linear leaves foliage. Hessea mathewsii grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include border, rock garden and container.
About
Hessea mathewsii is a perennial flowering plant and geophyte that belongs to the genus Hessea and is part of the Saldanha strandveld. The species is endemic to the Western Cape and has an area of occurrence of only 30 km².
About the genus
Hessea is a genus of bulb-forming plants in the Amaryllis family native to Namibia and South Africa. The genus name commemorates C. H.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hessea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hessea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hessea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Hessea mathewsii size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bulbous perennial, 20-30 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous, narrow, linear leaves
- Suggested uses
- Border, rock garden, container
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hessea mathewsii
- Propagation
- Seed, bulb offsets
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hessea mathewsii?
Hessea mathewsii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hessea mathewsii need?
Hessea mathewsii grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Hessea mathewsii hardy in the UK?
Hessea mathewsii 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 Hessea mathewsii?
Seed, bulb offsets.