About
A shrub or small tree with a woody trunk and branches of spineless, strap-shaped, light green, to blue-grey leaves, to 30cm long, borne in fans. The tubular, vermillion flowers tipped with yellowish-green are borne at the end of upright flower spikes 30-45cm long from late winter to early spring.
About the genus
Kumara is a diverse genus of plants that may be annual, perennial, or woody. Species are cultivated for their flowers, foliage, or architectural habit and are adapted to various climatic conditions
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees, Cactus Succulent
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in a sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with extra sharp sand; in full sun and with good ventilation. Water moderately during the spring to early autumn, allowing the compost to dry between watering. Water sparingly and keep in cool temperatures 10°C and low humidity during the winter. Fertiliser may be applied two or three times during the growing season
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 21°C or stem cuttings taken in late spring and early summer and rooted in sharply-draining cactus compost
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free although can be susceptible to root rot if grown in a wet soil