About
Massonia pustulata, the blistered massonia, is a winter-active bulb producing a pair of spreading, elliptical leaves covered with small, raised bumps (pustules) and stalkless umbels of white, yellow or pale-pink flowers in early winter. A charming and rewarding bulb for a cool greenhouse or frost-free, sunny garden.
About the genus
Massonia are winter-active bulbous perennials from South Africa producing a pair of broad, spreading, ground-level leaves and dense heads of white or pink flowers with prominent stamens, opening in winter or early spring. Grown in cool greenhouses or frost-free, sunny gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS Africa (W 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 or remove offsets when dormant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free