About
A winter-active bulb producing just two leaves up to 25cm long, which lie flat on the ground. A cluster of small, off-white flowers appear in the centre. These have a yeasty smell that attracts gerbils to pollinate plants in the wild. The green fruits follow as an interlocking cluster of three-lobed capsules.
About the genus
Massonia are bulbous perennials with two oblong to elliptic leaves and dense heads of white or pink flowers of which the large stamens are the prominent part, usually opening in winter
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a frost-free greenhouse in pots of free-draining compost. Start into growth by watering from early autumn, feeding monthly with a phosphate-free liquid feed. Removal of flowers as soon as they fade will help to avoid problems with grey mould. Stop watering when the leaves start to yellow in spring
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally problem free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds