Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Virgilia

Species:

Virgilia oroboides

USDA Symbol:

VIOR6

Growth Characteristics

Height:

1500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jan,feb,sep,oct,nov,dec

Bloom Colors:

pink, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown after fire; seeds are stimulated by heat and smoke.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to South African fynbos regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by warm stratification then cold stratification to break dormancy.