6 Ornamental Flowering Bulbs for the Southwest

Why settle for the same old boring options when there is a selection of lesser-known gems to choose from and plant?

When it come to garden in theSouthwest , selecting the ripe flower bulbs is of the essence to create a vibrant landscape . The region ’s arid clime and unique soil makeup require plants that can thrive in hot , dry conditions . But the proficient choice still supply those intimate burst of color that most gardener are customary to seeing when the intelligence “ bulb ” is mentioned . The following are some of my favorite ornamental flowering light bulb for the Southwest , with variety that not only survive our regional conditions , but bring unsurpassed beauty to even the most challenging spot .

Knysna Lily

( Cyrtanthus obliquus )

Zones:9b–10

atmospheric condition : Full sun to fond tad ; well - drain soil

The genusCyrtanthusis a coloured mathematical group with all-inclusive variation in habit and flower chassis . Knysna lily , the largest one , might be name the fairy of the bunch , if I had a say in it . A plant from South Africa ’s southeast grasslands , its onion plant - like bulb model partially exposed above footing , while lily-white fleshy root drop anchor it firmly below . Three to five thick evergreen plant leaves stand upright with a slight twist , to about 14 inches . Once fledged , the flower spikes emerge in mid - springtime , rising above the leave and crowned with five to twelve pendulous orange flowers , shading xanthous and green at the tips . kind of heat and drouth , Knysna lily has survived best for me in the Sonoran Desert when put up mottled sun through midday . It does well when kept on the drying agent side through the cool winter months , although it does not mind summer rain if the drain is good . I grow my Knysna lilies in the ground in Tucson , where they issue through a soft seam of silver dichondra ( Dichondracv . , Zones 10–11 ) . I have only seen periodic minimal freeze damage to some leaves in their sheltered placement , but protection from voiceless freezes would be advised . This is a arresting specimen when develop in container as well .

Fire Lily

( Cyrtanthus sanguineus )

Conditions : Full sun to partial tad ; well - drained filth ( dryer in wintertime )

A second favourite from the same genusCyrtanthus , this variety also herald from easterly South Africa . Several subspecies survive with varying flower colors from hot bolshie to knock . Fire lily work small colonies over time , its bulbs at — or partly bury below — the soil surface . The shoulder strap - shaped leaves are upright to lax , reaching about 12 inch long . Clustered blooms look faithfully in midsummer , rising slightly above the leaves , with each fiery ruddy - orange tree efflorescence live about a hebdomad . It ’s a magnificent and welcoming display when planted among rocks with minimum contender . Fire lily is sensitive to hard frost if not sheltered but also a brilliant container plant that can be protect more easily .

Fan-Leaved Boophone

( Boophone disticha )

Conditions : Full sun to partial shade;well - drained soil

Many of the other uncouth name for this plant reflect the fact that the bulbs are poisonous , such as “ Cape poison bulb . ” Whatever you choose to call it , boophone has a panoptic range across South Africa , spanning both the summertime rainfall and the winter rainfall regions , and the gradations in between . Always keep it on the drier side , and when the leaves take off to fade , you ’ll know the flora wants to go dormant . Withhold water for at least a month once leaves have to the full faded . Then growth will resume , and you will be reward with an transcendental lover of wavy blue - dark-green leaves about 10 to 12 inch tall . These emerge from the papery band of sometime leaf base where the neck of the electric-light bulb emerge 2 inches or more from the ground . Bulbs can reach 6 or more in in diam . Light hoar will not harm them during their leafless dormant phase , but protection is recommend at other times . Boophone makes a striking container specimen , especially when a large matured bulb surprises you with itsvolleyball - sized head of pink flowers !

Splendid Sword Lily

( Gladiolus splendens )

Zones:8b–10

Conditions : Full sun to partial shade ; well - debilitate soil ( drier during dormant period )

This flora came to me by fortuity , after few dormant bulb had obviously self - sown into another plant that was give to me . After watching the tall slender leaves look spontaneously for a couple time of year , I was felicitous to at long last see a blossom spike emerge one early saltation . By the time it had reached nearly 3 feet marvellous , I could see that it was indeed a member of theGladiolusgenus , but not the top heavy “ funeral placement ” character . With its slender substance abuse and refined feature article , a flying search tell me of its personal identity . This medulla grows in bouldered slope and grasslands in the West Cape of South Africa , so it responds to wintertime rain with fresh leafage and tantalizingly ho-hum flower spikes that produce two alternating course of alien scarlet peak . fantabulous blade lily is one of the first blossom each outflow to get the attention of local hummingbirds in Tucson . semen are form freely , and seedlings do appear to ensure future displays , but once summertime oestrus make it , the plants go dormant and go away all until the next winter rains .

Surprise Lilies

( Lycorisspp . and cvs . )

Zones:4b–10

Commonly known as surprise lilies or wanderer lily , Lycorishave a long history as garden plants . Many of the conversant cherry ones have been passed along for decennium as heirloom flora . But today , there is a wealthiness of forms and bloom coloring to choose from . hybrid burst , ranging from blush wine pink with blue tips , to gold , white , and Salmon River orange . Hardiness varies , and most older varieties were restricted to Zone 7 and above . Today ’s hybrids are extend that range of mountains , reportedly survive zones as humbled as 4b , so select your plants accordingly . What all surprise lily have in rough-cut is a period of leaf growth ( either in spill or spring ) , follow by dormancy in early to midsummer , follow by the outgrowth of flowers in previous summer . The 1- to 2 - foot flowering stems commonly appear out of bare ground long after the leaves have faded , hence the “ surprise ” in the name . Best to tick off their location in some way so as not to disturb them . They are liberal of regular lacrimation , but less is satisfactory while dormant .

Cape Buttercup

( Sparaxis elegans )

Zones:9–11

condition : Full sun ; well - drained , Lucius Clay loam soil

These minuscule corms resemble those of commonCrocusspecies , but their spring display is anything but common . Cape buttercup bulbs reply to winter rains as they would in their native West Cape of South Africa , create a modest fan of parting just 6 inches marvelous over the winter . leaping flowers are typically a warm coral - tangerine tree colour with occasional white or other iterations . Their centers are exquisitely patterned in black , yellow , and purple kaleidoscopical mark . These plants can blossom in their 2d class from seminal fluid . Bulb colonies will also inflate on their own under upright conditions . A juiceless summer rest is essential for these outpouring gems , so allow them to dry out well after flowering . ness buttercup is also well suited to a container that can be ignored all summer , sum up water and sun through the winter months for a beautiful leaping display .

Discuss this and any other gardening topic in ourSouthwest horticulture assembly .

Dan Johnson lives and garden in Denver , Colorado , and in Tucson , Arizona . He is an associate managing director of gardening for the Denver Botanic Gardens .

Photos : Dan Johnson

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