Veltheimia bracteata

Common Names

Forest Lily, Winter Red Hot Poker, Cape Lily, Unicorn Root, Sand Onion, Sand Lily

Summary

Forest Lily is a bulbous perennial native to the Eastern Cape forests and coastal scrub of South Africa. It forms a basal rosette of glossy strap-shaped leaves with wavy margins and sends a tall spike of tubular pink flowers above the foliage, reaching about 40–60 cm tall; blooming occurs in late winter to early spring, and the plant is evergreen in frost-free conditions and may enter a dry summer dormancy.

For cultivation, provide shade to semi-shade with well-drained humus-rich soil; bulbs are planted in autumn with the neck above soil surface; water freely during growth and allow the soil to dry during dormancy; outdoor cultivation is possible in USDA zones 8–11, with cooler zones indoors or in a greenhouse; propagation by offsets or seeds (seeds germinate in 2–3 weeks; flowering from seed in 3–4 years); leaf cuttings yield bulblets; practical uses include shade gardens, pots on patios or windowsills, and container plantings, with benefits such as attracting birds.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-2 feet

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy soil rich in humus, acidic to neutral pH

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Greenish-yellow to soft pink and dark rose-pink

Bloom Time

Winter to Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate to fast growth rate.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Offsets (bulblets), Division, Leaf cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and butterflies