Overview
Veltheimia capensis is a bulbous perennial in the genus Veltheimia, part of the Asparagaceae family. It typically grows around 0.46 metres tall. Veltheimia capensis 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 RHS H3. Suggested uses include rock gardens, containers and borders. It is native to South Africa (N & W 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 capensis is a bulbous perennial from the N and W Cape of South Africa that produces clusters of tubular, pendent flowers above a low rosette of blue-green leaves. In cultivation it reaches roughly 0.46 metres and is valued for its late-summer to autumn display, flowering in the UK from August to October. Place sand lily where it receives full sun or partial shade, ideally on a south-facing, sheltered aspect to reduce exposure to cold winds. It suits free-draining sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and prefers moderate, well-drained moisture rather than waterlogged ground. The plant carries an RHS H3 rating, which translates to borderline hardiness in UK gardens; choose a protected site or grow it in a container that can be moved under severe conditions. Use Veltheimia capensis in rock gardens, in pots on a bright patio, or at the front of borders where its height of about 0.46 metres will not obscure lower companions. Expect arching racemes of blooms in late summer and autumn that sit neatly above the foliage, making it a useful choice where a sheltered, sunny position is available.
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, well-drained
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- RHS H3
Plant details
Veltheimia capensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Height
- 0.46 metres
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, containers, borders
- Native to
- South Africa (N & W Cape)
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Veltheimia capensis
- Cultivation
- plant bulbs in spring, avoid waterlogging, protect from frost
- Pruning
- remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming
- Propagation
- seed, offsets
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Veltheimia capensis?
Plant bulbs in spring, avoid waterlogging, protect from frost.
Where is the best place to plant Veltheimia capensis?
Veltheimia capensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Veltheimia capensis need?
Veltheimia capensis grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate to well-drained.
How do I prune Veltheimia capensis?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
How big does Veltheimia capensis grow?
Veltheimia capensis reaches a height of 0.46 metres.
Is Veltheimia capensis hardy in the UK?
Veltheimia capensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Veltheimia capensis?
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.
