Massonia amoena (Adult 2022)

Massonia is a genus of peculiar, southern African, alien-like bulbs related to hyacinths that grow two opposite prostrate leaves that hug the ground topped with a stemless cluster of green, white or pink flowers that sit atop the leaves or rise on strange stalks. It’s a perfect group for succulent lovers and those who love oddball things! M. amoena is a newly described species with blue-green to greyish leaves with raised dark green to dark grey pustules and fragrant tubular white flowers with lavender-pink-touched filaments and blue and black anthers. The leaves emerge in late summer and autumn and bloom in late autumn or early winter often experiencing heavy frosts and snow at the time of flowering! This species is likely hardy to zone 8. Reduce watering when dormant in summer but do not allow to go bone dry. Plant the bulbs with the top just below the soil surface. Though potentially hardy in coastal BC it is safest to grow as a houseplant or in a heated greenhouse or sunroom. It’s perfect for those interested in bulbs and houseplants and for succulent lovers looking to branch out. Our nursery-grown bulbs are adult blooming size as of 2022. Visit the webpage of the Pacific Bulb Society to view photos of this cool species.