Flower with Foliage. Photo from R. V. Roger

Foliage. Photo from R. V. Roger

Form

Plant Name

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Massonia echinata

Massonia is named in honor of Francis Mason (1741-1805, a Scotsman sent to South Africa) by Carl Thunberg, Professor of Botany at Upsalla.

Common Name

Hedgehog Lily

Soil

In well-drained soil (sand) where there is no danger of frost from January onwards (Channel Islands?), otherwise grow in mixture of 2 parts topsoil, 3 parts peat moss and 7 parts sharp builder's sand in wide pots. Place shards of broken clay pots in the bottom to ensure good drainage.

Sun Aspect

Full Sun in a Conservatory in the UK, where temperatures do not fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Soil Moisture

Moisture is necessary at the time of planting in late July-September, but keep barely moist until the foliage is observed. Then, additional amounts of water should be given, but never allow the bulbs to sit in cold, wet soil.

Plant Type

Perennial scaly Corm

Height x Spread in feet

2 inches x 10 inches

Foliage

2 wide green leaves about 5 inches long, which lie flat on the ground.

Flower Colour in Month(s). Seed

Honey Scent. Yellow or White fading to Pink in February blooms between the 2 leaves. Stop watering after the flowers have finished.

Comment

"Winter growing and flowering genus from South Africa. Very interesting habit with two flat fully prostrate succulent leaves and a cluster of tubular scented flowers in the centre. All species suited to pot culture in a high content sandy soil. Makes an attractive and unusual late winter flowering pot." from R.V. Roger.

This scaly corm has "large smooth, sometimes hairy and spotted leaves and creamy flowers fading to pink with a honey scent" from R.V. Roger.

Plant 2-3 inches deep and 10 inches apart in the ground next to a South-facing wall in the Channel Islands or 1 bulb per 10 inch pot and 2-3 inches deep. The bulbs will not tolerate frost. Since the foliage is prostrate, protect from slugs and snails.

Available from R. V. Roger.