Overview

Massonia dregei is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Massonia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Massonia dregei 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 and rock garden.

About

Massonia dregei is a cultivar of the Massonia genus, which comprises bulbous perennial plants with two oblong or elliptical evergreen leaves. This matforming plant produces compact clusters of flowers, typically in winter, featuring prominent large stamens. It thrives in well-drained sandy soil with an acid to neutral pH and prefers full sun exposure, ideally in sheltered south- or west-facing positions. Suitable for alpine rockeries, rock gardens, conservatories, and as patio or container plants, it is hardy to UK zone H2 and can be 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, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Massonia dregei size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Alpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Matforming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Massonia dregei

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to grey moulds

Frequently asked questions