Veltheimia bracteata (Forest Lily)

Veltheimia bracteata (Forest Lily) is a bulbous perennial forming a particularly handsome rosette of broadly strap-shaped glossy green leaves, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), adorned with wavy edges. In winter to early spring, charming elongated clusters of tubular pink flowers rise on sturdy erect purplish stems. The flowers are held upright when in tight bud and are pendent when open. Their tips are sometimes green or spotted with green. Forest Lily is a winter-growing bulbous plant, the leaves dying back in summer, and the new leaves appearing in late-summer to autumn, after a short period of dormancy. This plant makes an excellent pot plant for a shady patio and is suitable for indoor cultivation in bright light but not in direct sun.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Usually grown in pots. Plant bulbs in fall in a loam-based compost with added sharp sand. Bulbs should be planted with their neck just above the soil surface. Place your container in a cool location with minimal watering and light until growth begins. Then place your container in a bright window area with filtered sun. Water freely when in growth and fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Keep the soil dry during summer dormancy.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Cut back flowers as they fade.
• Propagate by seed in autumn or offsets in late summer.
• Native to South Africa