About
A half-hardy, bulbous perennial to 20cm tall, with semi-erect, linear basal leaves with bold purple stripes. In summer it produces a flowerspike bearing numerous tiny, bell-shaped purple-pink flowers, tipped or striped green. Best grown in a cool greenhouse or alpine trough.
About the genus
A genus of bulbous perennial herbs native to Madagascar, parts of Africa and India with mottled silver and green fleshy lance-shaped foliage and bright pink and green, drooping flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toCentral South Africa
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand, planting the bulb so that the neck is above soil level. Position in full light and water freely while in growth, applying a high-potash fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter. Outdoors, grow in freely-draining soil in a sheltered site in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or removing offsets
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free