Veltheimia bracteata - Forest Lily (Pink)

Veltheimia bracteata is a bulbous perennial forming a particularly handsome rosette of broadly strap-shaped glossy green leaves, up to 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 in soil that is well draining. Mine are growing in pots on my front verandah. They are protected from hard frost but can handle light frosts to -3C.

The flowers can last for three to four weeks as a cut flower, making them ideal for durable arrangements. Cut the stems cleanly at the base when the lower flowers on the spike start to open for maximum vase life.

These are fresh seeds, just harvested. Sow seeds now in well draining soil. Lightly cover with soil. Keep damp but not wet. Seeds grown this way prefer a "swing" in temperatures between day and night. Germination is approx 35 days. You can also use the wet paper towel method.

Seeds currently available.

$5.00 - 5 open pollinated seeds

$4.00 - postage within Australia

Email to order - fascinatingbotanicals@gmail.com

Payment - Bank Deposit or Paypal