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Haemanthus albiflos
This is another of the many fascinating bulbs from the wonderful Cape Floral Kingdom of Southern Africa, home to so many wonderful species of bulbs and other wildflowers. Although rather hard to obtain, it is of relatively easy culture, it is worth seeking out, and is amenable to growing in pots, and also to growing in the open garden, where a suitable climate prevails.
The bulbs are typical of Haemanthus species: fleshy, with thick whitish fleshy roots. These bulbs are covered by a dark brown, or almost black papery outer covering or tunic. In their natural state the bulbs grow on the surface of the soil, or with approximately half of the bulb buried in the soil.
Unlike other Haemanthus species, these bulbs are almost evergreen, quite often retaining their leaves throughout the season. They do however occasionally lose all their leaves: this is nothing to be concerned about, as new leaves regrow at the onset of the autumn growing season. The leaves are broadly strap shaped, and have fuzzy hairs on both surfaces.
The bulbs seem to love being pot bound, or being left to become rather overcrowded in the
garden. I also find them to resent disturbance, and they often take a season to settle down and get back into growth after being moved. Once established they are reliable flowerers, and happy with minimum attention. They come from the winter rainfall area of the Cape, where the first autumn rains spark them into growth and flower. I find a few applications of half strength liquid fertiliser during the growing season keeps the bulbs happy. Any free draining soil in the garden, or free draining potting mix in containers is suitable. My own experience suggests that keeping the bulbs out of strong sunshine is best, and protection from hard frosts is advised.
Around mid April, the bulbs send up the stout flower stalks, about the diameter of a little finger. These elongate to about 25cm, and bear a head of pure white flowers, with bright yellow anthers. These flower heads resemble shaving brushes. The flowers last approximately 10 days, before the flower stems turn down toward the ground, presumably as an adaptation to place the seeds near ground level.
There are several other very desirable species available in New Zealand, including Haemanthus coccinea (the Blood Lily) with red flowers, and the stunning Haemanthus katherinae, also known as Scadoxus katherinae with orange/scarlet flowers.
This article was kindly supplied by Peter Jensen of Ayn Dara Nurseries, specialising in exotics, poppies, rare and unusual bulbs, perennials and succulents. |
