Massonia echinata True Species (Adult 2022)
Massonia echinata has smallish grey-green leaves with numerous raised pustules and yellowish green flowers.
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. echinata has been confused in horticulture but this is the true species. It has smallish grey-green leaves with numerous raised pustules and yellowish green flowers resembling those of M. depressa. The leaves and flowers grow in fall, winter and spring with bulbs dormant in summer. 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. This is a borderline hardy to non-hardy bulb best grown 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.
Common Name: Hedgehog Lily - [Spring B&B Pre-Order]
Family: Asparagaceae (The Asparagus Family)
Zone Hardiness: 8-11
Light: Part Sun Part Shade
Height: under 4"
Width: 4-8"
Primary Bloom Colour: Yellow
Secondary Bloom Colour: Green
Class: Deciduous
Type: Tender
Bloom Time: Fall - Winter
Soil Moisture: Average
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: Yes
Berries:
Benefits: Bees
Deer Resistant: Unknown
BC Native: No
Native Habitat: Confined to a small area around Oorlogskloof on the Bokkeveld Plateau in the Western Cape, part of the winter rainfall region.
Award: AGM
Geographical Origin:
