Common Name: glumicalyx
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Native Range: South Africa
Zone: 6 to 9
Height: 0.75 to 1.25 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: Orange
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Tolerate: Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Grows well in most average, well-draining soils. This perennial is not widely available, so its exact hardiness is not known. Several nurseries are reporting this plant is hardy to Zone 6 (-10 F). May need winter protection in the colder parts of its hardiness range.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Glumicalyx goseloides, commonly known as nodding chocolate flower, is a perennial, evergreen, semi-woody subshrub native to high altitude, rocky areas of southern Africa. The upright stems reach 10-15" tall, with small, closely held, lanceolate leaves along their lengths. A terminal cluster of nodding, tubular flowers appears in summer at the end of each stem. The outside surface of the blooms is creamy white, while the inside of the lobed petals is bright orange. Plants form a dense clump, and will eventually fill a 3' area.
The genus name Glumicalyx comes from the Latin "gluma", and refers to the chaff-like sepals found at the base of the individual flowers.
The specific epithet goseloides refers to the similarities in appearance between this plant and those of the genus Gosela.
The common name of nodding chocolate flower refers to the nodding habit and chocolatey scent of the blooms.
Problems
No known pest or disease problems.
Uses
Use in a rock garden, border planting, or in a container.