Wurmbea stricta, Rice Flower, Greater Waterphlox, Marshflower, Vleiblommetjie (Afr.) 25-100 seeds, July 2024

Synonyms:

Melanthium junceum, Melanthium triquetrum, Anguillaria triquetra, Wurmbea triquetra, Wurmbea stricta, Anguillaria triquetra, Dipidax rosea, Dipidax triquetra, Onixotis stricta, 
Onixotis triquetra, Wurmbea triquetra, Melanthium junceum,
Melanthium triquetrum, Pontederia stricta.

Wurmbea stricta is an impressive winter-flowering bulb that originates from South Africa. Unlike many other bulbs, it thrives in moist conditions and will self-seed abundantly if it is happy in its environment. However, be cautious as slugs and snails are attracted to it. Commonly referred to as South African Water Phlox, Waterflower, or Rice Flower, it's worth noting that this plant is easier to cultivate than it is to keep track of its various names.

Wurmbea stricta is a deciduous, winter-growing geophyte that can reach heights of up to 0.6 meters. It features a deep-seated, irregularly shaped corm surrounded by dark brown membranous outer layers and produces three slender, upright dark green leaves that resemble knitting needles. The plant showcases striking star-shaped flowers that appear alternately along a long spike, with tepals ranging from pure white to pale pink. Each tepal has a small claw at the base and is adorned with two prominent, deep pink glands that secrete nectar. It produces a large quantity of seeds housed in attractive, narrow, egg-shaped capsules.

This plant emits a pungent odor, which can attract flies and other insects within its native habitat. If you detect an unpleasant smell in your garden, this may be the source.

Cultivating Wurmbea stricta

Wurmbea stricta thrives in both boggy and well-drained environments but requires complete dryness during its summer dormancy to prevent corm rot. To protect the corms from shriveling, they should be stored in dry soil during the summer months. This plant is sensitive to cold and should be kept in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in colder climates. Its flowers display beautifully when planted alongside low-growing, late winter and spring-flowering buchu species like Agathosma glabrata and Acmadenia heterophylla. The seed capsules of W. stricta mature quickly and are visually appealing when ripe, showcasing their dark brown, irregularly shaped seeds.

Propagation is straightforward, as corm offsets form towards the end of the winter growing season. These can be gently pulled away from the parent corms during the summer dormancy period and replanted in autumn.

Propagating Wurmbea stricta from seeds
Seeds should be sown in mid-autumn once night temperatures have dropped significantly. For optimal seedling growth, use a well-drained mix of equal parts river sand and finely sifted compost in deep seed trays or raised beds, positioned in bright light or full sun. Water the seedlings every two to three days using a watering can with a fine rose attachment. They should remain undisturbed for two years before being lifted and transferred to containers or the garden in early autumn, marking the start of their third growing season, when they will typically bloom for the first time.

Pest and diseases
Wurmbea stricta is generally resistant to pests and diseases, although snout weevils may occasionally nibble on the petals, and mealybugs can infest the corms if grown in containers. Additionally, corms may suffer from fungal rot if they are not sufficiently dried out during the summer months.