Dormancy
This species is dormant in summer, therefore plants ordered during this time may not have leaves.
Where it grows
Boophone disticha is native to all of the provinces of South Africa, as well as many other countries of southern Africa. It prefers summer rainfall areas.
Special features
This is the ‘century plant’, also known as ‘gifbol’, ‘candelabra flower’ and many other names. It is a large-growing bulb that has distinctive fan-like ‘distichous’ (two opposite vertical rows) leaves. Generally the plants are evergreen in cultivation, but this species does have a winter dormancy period in nature. Produces a large bunch of vivid pink flowers in winter to late spring.
Care Guide
Boophone disticha is relatively easy to care for, as long as it is not overwatered. It prefers full sun. It requires a very well-draining soil mixture with plenty of gritty components to aid in drainage. Water well during the cooler months, once it starts growing leaves, but keep completely dry in summer when it does not have leaves.
Growing season
Autumn and winter.
Propagation
Seeds.