Lampranthus roseus

< Back to search results Go to Plants of the Week Advanced Search

Lampranthus roseus (Willd.) Schwantes

Family: Aizoaceae

Common names: rose vygie, roosvygie

View other plants in this family View other plants in this genus

Introduction

Commonly cultivated shrubby succulents, covered with brilliant pink flowers in spring

Lampranthus roseus

Description

The plants are decumbent succulent shrublets growing to 600 mm in height, with semi-cylindrical leaves to 30 x 4 mm.

In late spring to early summer (October-November) the bushes are covered with brilliant, almost iridescent flowers, varying in colour from white to pale pink, magenta, violet and rose-pink. Each individual flower is approx 40 mm in diameter.

Conservation Status

Status

Lampranthus roseus is not threatened.

Lampranthus roseus

Distribution and habitat

Distribution description

Lampranthus roseus occurs in dry fynbos in the Western Cape. It is also commonly cultivated throughout the Western Cape and the bright pink, magenta varieties in cultivation may be hybrids.

Derivation of name and historical aspects

History

Lampranthus means 'bright flower' from the Greek lampros meaning 'bright' and anthos 'flower'. The species name roseus pertains to the rose-coloured flowers.

This is a large genus of about 140 species occurring mainly in the winter rainfall regions of the Cape.

Ecology

The flowers are pollinated by bees and beetles.

Growing Lampranthus roseus

Grow

This is a frequently cultivated and a rewarding floriferous plant. They are short-lived and are best replaced every 3 years. They prefer a sunny, well-drained slope and thrive in rockeries or containers in a sunny position.

It is easily propagated from seed or cuttings and needs a sunny position.

Seed can be sown at any time of the year in shallow trays in a sandy mixture and germination is within 3 weeks.

Cuttings are best planted during the summer months.

Plants are subject to downy mildew and should be sprayed with Ridomil from midwinter to just before flowering.

References

Van Jaarsveld, E.J. & Pienaar, U. de V. 2000. Vygies, gems of the veld. Cactus & Co. Libri, Venegono, Italy.

Credits

Ernst van Jaarsveld
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
October 2000

Plant Attributes:

Plant Type: Shrub, Succulent

SA Distribution: Western Cape

Soil type: Sandy

Flowering season: Spring

PH: Acid

Flower colour: Purple, White, Pink, Mauve/Lilac

Aspect: Full Sun

Gardening skill: Easy

Special Features:

Drought resistant

Feeds honeybees

Lampranthus roseus