Description
Veltheimia bracteata (Hyacinthaceae) Forest Lily (e), Sandlelie (a) Hardy, semi-deciduous, clump-forming, bulbous plant with beautiful, wavy, glossy, dark green leaves and spectacular spikes of pink Aloe-type flowers on an upright stem that appear in late winter to spring. The attractive seeds are enclosed in papery cases. It requires semi-shade to shade and well-drained soil. Plant in groups to make a spectacular display. They thrive in containers. A rare yellow form also occurs. Size up to 30cm. Sowing : The seed should be sown in autumn, thinly to allow the seedlings room to develop, 3 – 4 mm deep, in deep (min. 10 cm) trays and kept moist and shaded. A recommended sowing medium is equal parts river sand or industrial sand and fine compost, fine bark or loam. Germination takes two to three weeks and the seedlings should be fed with dilute liquid fertilizer every two weeks after germination. Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: January 2023
