Family: Hyacinthaceae

These unusual, South African natives have strappy leaves, wavy at the edges, and dense, erect spikes of drooping, tubular flowers.

Species

V. bracteata has heads of pink-purple flowers, sometimes tinged with yellow. They appear in spring on stems up to 45 cm (18 in) high.

The flowers of V. capensis are usually pink with green tips, but they may he white, spotted with red. These also appear in spring on stems 45 cm (18 in) high.

Cultivation

Where frosts occur, grow in an intermediate greenhouse, in pots of well-drained, sandy, soil-based potting compost. Plant the bulbs in autumn with the top part (the neck) showing above the compost. Plants must have maximum light, including sun. When in full growth, water regularly; but start to reduce as soon as the leaves die down, and keep the compost only slightly moist when the bulbs are dormant (summer and autumn). Allow plants to completely fill their pots before potting on. Outdoors grow in full sun or partial shade and well-drained loamy or sandy soil. Propagate from offsets in late summer.

Climate

Zone 10.