Lampranthus amoenus
Water Needs
low
Succulent: Groundcover
Darling Lampranthus; Darling Vygie
60 cm
Size
Light Conditions
sun
Frost
Hardy
Flowers
Pink to mauve and iridescent purple; spring
Garden Situation
sun; rockery gravel; walls; container; slope bank; dry soils; sandy soils; windy exposed; wildlife bees
Habitat
hot dry; rocky places; fynbos; urban streets
Region
western cape
Rain Season
Winter
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Description
Spring flowering displays of the spreading succulent vygie are spectacular. It is more of a shrublet than groundcover, growing to 60 cm high with flowers showing at the tips of strong, branching stems. Leaves are blue-green (glaucous), with soft, blunt tips. Flowers are 30 – 40 cm in diameter opening fully only in bright sunshine from August to September. Colour ranges from pink to mauve and iridescent purple, occurring in groups of 3. Plants grow rapidly to full size within a couple of year, but does become woody in time. Flowering continues for many years before plants need to be replaced. The Darling Vygie is an easy, water wise plant that needs little care and attention, perfect for those new to gardening and where good cover and bright colour are required. Plant where soil drains well. Flowers attract bees and other insects.