Ledebouria socialis (L. violacea)

Ledebouria socialis (L. violacea) and form ‘Zebra’
Liliaceae
Fred Coe, Ross

This is a South African genus with a large number of species, mostly grown for the ornamental foliage. Often you find them growing in the succulent and cactus portion of nurseries. The two shown may be labeled scilla. The small bulbs are often above ground level and gradually form mats. The leaves are usually 3 to 4 inches long and mottled green and grey with purple undersides. ‘Zebra’ is transversally barred and slightly more showy. The flowers resemble tiny green and purple grape hyacinths. There are showier species with purple flowers but these do not offset and require a winter drying out.