Overview

Massonia amoena is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Massonia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Massonia amoena grows best in full sun, and tolerates sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include houseplants, patio and container plants, rock garden and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Massonia amoena is a matforming cultivar of the Massonia genus, which comprises bulbous perennials with two oblong or elliptical evergreen leaves. This plant produces compact clusters of flowers with prominent stamens, typically flowering in winter. It thrives in well-drained sandy soil under full sun, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered position. Suitable for alpine rockeries, rock gardens, conservatories, greenhouses, and as patio or container plants, it is hardy to UK zone H2 and is propagated by seed.

About the genus

Massonia is a genus of bulbous perennial flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. It is native to southern Africa, and is found in localities such as Namaqualand with hot and dry summers, being dormant in summer and growing during winter. The genus Whiteheadia has been merged into Massonia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Massonia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Massonia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Massonia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Massonia amoena size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Alpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Matforming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Massonia amoena

Propagation

Seed

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to grey moulds

Frequently asked questions