Warm Bulbs pt. 2-Harsh Western Aspect
Every garden has an aspect that’s hard to plant out because it’s either too shady or too harsh and dry or even spot that receives hot western sun .
Today I’m focusing on bulbs that can give you a long display in the warmer months but have evolved to withstand hot and dry months.
Haemanthus coccineus photo M Cannon |
These bulbs originate where they are not exposed to very cold winters but have evolved to withstand hot dry conditions.
The bulbs in this group are in the Amaryllidaceae family which consists of mainly bulbs with long strappy leaves. The flowers are usually in an umbel-like cluster on a short or long scape.
- A dead give-away is if the leaves are quite long and extended, then the bulb is in too much shade.
If you live in Adelaide, say a couple of streets back from the beach such as in Brighton, then expect your 'blood lily' to take off like mad. The low humidity and winter rains are a perfect climate for this bulb.
Or even the combined genus of brunsvigia and amaryllis ending up with Amarygia.
from Paradisus garden design.