Overview

Wachendorfia thyrsiflora is a perennial in the genus Wachendorfia, part of the Haemodoraceae family. Wachendorfia thyrsiflora grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Suggested uses include water gardens, bog gardens and borders. It is native to Temp S Africa.

About

Wachendorfia thyrsiflora is a perennial in the Haemodoraceae that bears its flowers in a distinctive panicled inflorescence and favours moist sites. It grows best where soil remains moist to wet and is suited to sandy or loamy substrates with an acidic to neutral pH. Plant in full sun or partial shade for reliable flowering between June and August. Use it where moisture can be assured, such as the edges of ponds or in bog gardens.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wachendorfia thyrsiflora

About the genus

Wachendorfia is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants that is assigned to the bloodroot family. The plants have a perennial rootstock with red sap. From the rootstock emerge lance- or line-shaped, sometime sickle-shaped, pleated, simple leaves set in a fan, that are flattened to create a left and right surface rather than an upper and lower surface.

Wikipedia contributors, "Wachendorfia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wachendorfia

In the garden

Wachendorfia thyrsiflora is a perennial member of the Haemodoraceae native to temperate South Africa. It produces panicled flower heads in summer and performs where soil conditions hold moisture; flowering in the UK occurs from June to August. Sitings that replicate its native, moisture-retentive soils give the best results. Give it a position in full sun or partial shade with a moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Soil pH should be on the acidic to neutral side and the substrate kept consistently moist to wet; this species does not suit drought-prone, dry soils. Maintain good surface moisture rather than allowing the rootzone to dry out between wet spells. Parks and gardens can use Wachendorfia thyrsiflora at the margins of ponds, in bog gardens or as a moisture-loving component at the rear of a border. Flowering panicles provide summer vertical interest, so plant where those stems can be seen without being overwhelmed by taller neighbours. The panicled inflorescences reliably mark the plant’s presence through the June–August flowering window.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Wachendorfia

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

moist, well-drained, sandy or loamy

Soil pH

acidic to neutral

Soil moisture

moist to wet

Plant details

Wachendorfia thyrsiflora size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

water gardens, bog gardens, borders

Native to

Temp S Africa

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Wachendorfia thyrsiflora

Cultivation

Prefers moist, acidic to neutral soils; tolerates wet conditions; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch to retain moisture

Pruning

Remove spent flower stalks to encourage tidy growth

Propagation

division, seed

Frequently asked questions