About

Nananthus schooneesii is a compact, succulent perennial from South Africa producing small rosettes of fleshy, warty leaves and yellow, daisy-like flowers in autumn. A rewarding succulent for a sunny greenhouse bench or windowsill.

About the genus

Nananthus are compact, succulent perennials from South Africa forming small rosettes of fleshy, warty leaves and producing yellow, daisy-like flowers in autumn and winter. Grown on sunny greenhouse benches or windowsills.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, tortoises): Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

CultivationPlant at one and a half to two times its own depth in autumn. Will tolerate most soils but prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is constantly moist during the growing season. See daffodil cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead as flowers fade and allow the leaves to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by removing offsets as the leaves fade in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, large narcissus bulb fly, narcissus eelworm, and bulb scale mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus basal rot, narcissus leaf scorch or daffodil viruses