About
A clump-forming perennial with furry red roots and tubers and narrow, arching, pleated, evergreen leaves up to 1m long. Bright yellow, star-shaped flowers are produced in spires up to 2m tall in early summer.
About the genus
Wachendorfia are evergreen perennials developing from bright red tubers. The basal leaves are broadly-linear, parallel-veined and pleated. Upright flower stems are studded with star-shaped yellow blooms
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toTemp S Africa
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors needs a frost-free position with moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Alternatively grow in a cool greenhouse, ideally planted directly into the border, or in pots of peat-free, loam-based compost
PruningCut down flowering stems once blooms fade
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13-18C in autumn or spring, or by separating tubers in spring
Pest resistanceSusceptible to slug and snail damage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free