Overview
Veltheimia bracteata is a bulbous perennial in the genus Veltheimia, part of the Asparagaceae family. Veltheimia bracteata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental and container planting. It is native to S Africa (Cape).
About the genus
Veltheimia is a genus of perennial plants native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. It was named in honour of August Ferdinand von Veltheim (1741–1801), a German patron of botany.
In the garden
Veltheimia bracteata is a bulbous perennial from the Cape region of South Africa. It produces pendant, tubular flower clusters that open in the late summer and autumn months; in the UK its flowering period is August to October. Plants arise from a bulb and are usually grown for their seasonal blooms rather than for long-term ground cover. Give Veltheimia a sunny to part-shaded aspect and a well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Water moderately through the growing season but avoid waterlogging in winter; the plant prefers a sheltered position and carries an H4 hardiness rating (average), so choose a protected border or a site that is not exposed to severe winter winds. Use Veltheimia bracteata as an ornamental specimen in mixed borders or in pots where you can move containers into a favoured aspect. Container planting also suits cooler UK districts because pots can be positioned out of easterly or northerly exposure. Expect its pendant flower clusters to provide late-season colour and structure from August to October, making it a useful choice for late summer displays close to patios and paths.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Veltheimia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Veltheimia bracteata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, container planting
- Native to
- S Africa (Cape)
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Veltheimia bracteata
- Cultivation
- plant bulbs in autumn, protect from frost, water moderately
- Pruning
- remove spent flower stalks
- Propagation
- seed, offsets
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Veltheimia bracteata?
Plant bulbs in autumn, protect from frost, water moderately.
Where is the best place to plant Veltheimia bracteata?
Veltheimia bracteata prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Veltheimia bracteata need?
Veltheimia bracteata grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Veltheimia bracteata?
Remove spent flower stalks.
Is Veltheimia bracteata hardy in the UK?
Veltheimia bracteata has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Veltheimia bracteata?
Seed, offsets.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.