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Forest Lily
Veltheimia bracteata
SA tree number
English: Forest Lily, Bush Lily, Forest Sand-lily, Winter Red Hot Poker, Cape Hyacinth
Afrikaans: Sandui, Sandlelie, Boslelie
Veltheimia bracteata, also known as the Forest Lily, is a striking South African bulbous plant. It boasts tall, elegant flower spikes topped with beautiful, usually pink to reddish, tubular flowers. It's a real showstopper, especially when it blooms in late winter or early spring!
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Distinguishing features:
Produces a tall, sturdy flower stalk (peduncle) topped with a dense cluster of pendulous, bell-shaped flowers.
Flowers are typically reddish-pink to pink, sometimes yellow or creamy-white, often with green or yellowish tips.
Leaves are broad, glossy, often wavy-edged, and appear in a basal rosette.
Has a large, tunicated bulb, mostly buried underground.
Overall appearance:
A deciduous perennial bulb forming a rosette of broad, glossy leaves, topped by a tall, striking flower spike.
Height:
Flower spike typically 450-600 mm tall, but can reach up to 1 m. Leaves are usually 300-400 mm long.
Width:
Leaves form a rosette of about 300 mm in diameter.
Leaves:
Broad and shiny.
Usually 300-400 mm long and 100-150 mm wide.
Arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant.
Margins are often wavy.
Can be evergreen in frost-free, well-watered conditions, but usually deciduous.
Flowers:
Borne on a thick, sturdy, reddish-purple peduncle (flower stalk).
Flowers are pendulous (hanging downwards) and bell-shaped.
Arranged in a dense, cylindrical raceme at the top of the stalk.
Colour varies from reddish-pink to pink, sometimes yellow or creamy-white, often with green or yellowish tips.
Each flower measures about 25 mm long.
Flowering season:
Late winter to spring (July to September), sometimes extending into early summer.
Fruits:
Large, 3-winged, papery capsules.
Inflated and light.
Mature fruits are often pinkish.
Seeds:
Small.
Flat.
Black.
Dispersed by wind.
Stems:
A single, sturdy flower stalk (peduncle) arises from the bulb.
Bulbs:
Large, ovoid to globose, 50-75 mm in diameter.
Mostly buried underground, with the neck protruding.
Covered in dry, papery outer tunics.
Soil type:
Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Aspect:
Light shade to semi-shade, especially in hot inland areas. Can tolerate full sun near the coast or in cooler climates if kept moist.
Ecology:
Attracts sunbirds, which are likely pollinators for its nectar-rich, tubular flowers.
Provides nectar for pollinators.
Distribution and habitat:
Endemic to South Africa.
Found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces.
Occurs in coastal bush, open forest, and on protected, well-drained slopes in fynbos and renosterveld.
Grows naturally in well-drained soils, often in partial shade.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Veltheimia honours August Ferdinand von Veltheim (1741-1801), a German patron of botany.
The species name bracteata (Latin) refers to the presence of prominent bracts (leaf-like structures) near the base of the flower cluster, though they are not always conspicuous.
Historical aspects:
Veltheimia species have been cultivated in Europe since the late 1700s.
The first Veltheimia to be recorded was Veltheimia capensis in 1768, followed by Veltheimia bracteata in 1800.
Interesting facts:
This plant is like a natural "red-hot poker" in your garden, but with a cooler, more elegant vibe! Its colourful flower spike lights up shady spots in late winter and spring.
Its large, papery, three-winged fruit capsules are super light, acting like little parachutes to help the seeds catch the wind and fly to new spots.
If you want to attract some beautiful sunbirds to your garden, this is your plant! They absolutely love its nectar-rich, bell-shaped flowers.
Growing tips:
Plant bulbs in autumn (February to April).
Ensure good drainage; sandy, loamy soil is ideal.
Plant bulbs with their necks at or just below the soil surface.
Fertilise annually with a slow-release organic fertiliser in late autumn.
Keep moist during the active growing and flowering season (winter to spring).
Reduce watering as leaves start to yellow and keep dry during summer dormancy.
Protect from heavy frost if temperatures drop significantly.
Propagate from offsets (baby bulbs) or seeds.
Offsets can be removed when the plant is dormant and replanted immediately.
Seeds should be sown in autumn in a well-drained mix, covered lightly with sand, and kept moist. Germination can take 6-8 weeks. Seedlings will flower in 3-4 years.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Asphodelaceae (like Asphodelus) - Order: Asparagales