About
An evergreen shrub or small tree from the Sonoran Desert region of Arizona and Mexico, with narrow, leathery, toothed, dark green leaves and domed clusters of small, white, rose-family flowers in late spring, followed by dry, woody fruits. An ornamental and drought-tolerant subject for a sunny, well-drained border in a mild garden or conservatory.
About the genus
Veltheimia are bulbous perennials with strap-shaped leaves and stout stems each bearing a terminal raceme of nodding, tubular flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toSouth Africa (N & W Cape)
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in loam-based compost with added sharp sand in full sun. Reduce water as leaves fade and keep just moist when dormant. Intolerant of root disturbance so only repot when congested. Plant in autumn with neck of bulb just above soil surface.
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19-24°C in autumn or remove offsets in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free