XEROPHYLLUM TENAX

Description

The outstandingly attractive feature of these plants is the stunning, tightly-packed clumps of white flowers which arise on a tall spike making a superb specimen plant actually related to lilies. This grass-like perennial has narrow foliage forming a stout tussock, which is often burnt right back by wildfires in their native habitat, but quickly re-sprouts and often flowers afterwards. In the old USA the leaves have long been used to make baskets and carriers. Superb as dot plants, they are also suited to a large rockery, container or mixed border, where they are sure to impress and mystify even the most seasoned of plant enthusiasts. The name Bear grass, comes from observations that bears like to eat the young fleshy stems. This plant is also related to the Veratrum and Melianthum and distantly related to Yucca, which it somewhat resembles.

Sowing Advice

For best results, sow immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. We sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination, as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, often waiting for natural spring germination, hence giving them a full season of growth.

Key Facts