Veltheimia

( velth - EYE - mee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials grow from bulb and need partial shade and regular water during growing and blooming periods to flower well. They are native to South Africa and produce a low growing rosette of wavy green leaves. In wintertime, flower stems produce pink flowers. These eye-catching plants typically reach between 16 inches and a foot tall when in bloom, with greenish-red stems holding up spikes of tubular flowers. Take care when planting these flowering beauties in the garden, as they are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Veltheimia Species and Varietals

The genus Veltheimia is a member of the plant family Asparagaceae and includes just two accepted species. The genus is named to honor August Ferdinand von Veltheim, German botanist. These plants grow well in zones ​13 and 16-24; to find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Veltheimia bracteata (Forest Lily, Sand Onion, Red Hot Poker)
These plants produce flowers that range in color from yellow-pink to red. Plants are native to the south-eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, and flower in wintertime in the plant's native range. Individual flowering stems can reach up to 18 inches tall when the plant is in bloom.

Veltheimia capensis (Sand Lily, Elephant's Eye, Winter Veltheimia)
This species can reach a maximum height of about 18 inches when in bloom, and produce narrowly lance-shaped blue-green foliage. Stems are thick and greenish purple. Blooms are tubular, and vary in color from white with reddish spots to pink with green or reddish markings. Flowers typically bloom in spring and early summertime. 

Caring for Veltheimia

Veltheimia bracteata is best when grown in pots; use a large enough container so that the bulb has at least three inches of space on each side. Plant in fall in well-draining soil, setting the bulb neck just above the soil surface. Fertilize every two weeks during growing and blooming season. Keep the soil dry during summer dormancy. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Veltheimia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 645, Veltheimia bracteata
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