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Veltheimia is a genus of flowering bulbs in the family Liliaceae, comprising two species. The genus is named after August Ferninand Velthiem (1741-1801), a German botanist. Both species have their natural habitat in South Africa.
Veltheimia plant resembles the Knipfolia or Red Hot Poker, a popular garden plant. It has rosettes of basal leaves and dense spikes of pendent, tubular flowers. Veltheimia requires well-drained soil and good light (in order to keep the foliage compact and to develop flower colors fully). Plant in autumn with tips above the soil surface. Propagation is by seeds or offsets in autumn.
Veltheimia bracteata, 30-45 cm tall and 25-38 cm scross, is a clump-forming, winter-flowering bulb. It has semi-erect, strap-shaped, basal, glossy leaves and produces dense spikes of pendent, tubular red, pink, or yellowish red flowers.
Veltheimia capensis, 30-45 cm tall and 20-30 cm across, is a winter-flowering bulb with a basal rosette of lance-shaped and usually very wavy-edged leaves. It produces dense spikes of pink and red flowers.
