About
An unusual bulbous plant with two flat, thick, fleshy, rounded, smooth to hairy dark green leaves. scented, white, spiky flowers with black stamens and hairy bracts appear between the leaves in spring.
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 typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a cool glasshouse or alpine house in full sun. Water moderately in growth; reduce watering after flowering for a period of dry dormancy
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds