Veltheimia bracteata

Common Name: Forest Lily (also called Cape Lily or Sand Onion)

Description:
Forest Lily (Veltheimia bracteata) is a graceful bulbous perennial admired for its striking winter to early spring blooms. Emerging from a basal rosette of glossy, wavy-edged strap-like leaves, it sends up sturdy purplish flower stems that bear pendant tubular flowers in pastel pink, rosy, or yellow-green hues. Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa’s coastal forests and scrublands, it thrives in sheltered, well-drained conditions and brings vibrant colour to the garden during cooler months when few others bloom. Its long-lasting floral display atop arching foliage makes it perfect for shaded garden beds, containers on patios, or under tree canopies. It has gained awards for its ornamental appeal in temperate climates.

Form:

• Ground Cover

• Shrub – Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 30–60 cm

• Width: 20–35 cm

Aspect:

• Part Shade

• Full Shade

• Full Sun (filtered or sheltered positions only)

Flowering:

• Flowers in Winter

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Pink (pale to deep rose)

• Green-yellow tinged forms

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Perennial

• Deciduous

• Shade-loving

• Long-lasting winter bloom

• Low maintenance

• Bird attracting

• Bee attracting

• Suitable for under-planting beneath trees

• Clumping habit

• May sulk if disturbed – prefers to be left alone once established

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or pets

Companion Plants:

• Hellebores

• Clivias

• Hydrangeas

• Cyclamen

• Shade-tolerant ornamental grasses