HEDGEHOG LILY Massonia depressa
Massonia depressa, the hedgehog lily, grows to 10 cm (3.9 in) tall by 50 cm (20 in) broad, it is a bulbous perennial with two opposite leaves lying flat on the ground. A spiky cluster of lime, yellow, red or white flowers appears at the centre of the plant in winter.
When cultivated in a temperate environment, M. depressa does not tolerate freezing temperatures, so must be grown under glass in a cold greenhouse or similar. It requires full sun, and dry conditions during the dormant season (starting in spring). It has been given the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Location: Sun
Seeds per pack: 3
Germination: Seeds may be sown at any time of the year onto a well-drained compost about 5-10 mm deep. Keep the pot moist at 18 and 22 degrees C in a well-lit position. Seeds germinate 2 to 15 weeks, they may take a while so do not discard the seed tray.
