Bessara elegans
With most attractive flowers this autumn flowering species is from Mexico, and although the UK climate is a lot cooler if you grow these in containers you will find them fairly easy.
The foliage is rather scrappy, however the flowers which appear on tall stems to around 40cm high in late summer are real treasures.
Orange to red with around 10 individual flowers on each stem. The stems are tall and will move gently in the breeze.
Plant in a container in groups of 4 - 5 for a great effect. Use a large container to give them a little space.
Cultivation
Bessara elegans require a well drained humus rich soil and a fairly dry winter, so in the UK you will need to over winter them out of the rain and cold.
Little to no water over winter, just don't let the soil desiccate. As soon as summer comes around late April to May get these pots out and water them well through the summer.
As soon as the new growth appears cut back on the water and when the flowers stop and the seed pod sets, or the foliage dies back stop the water. You will need to protect the bulbs from frosts and freezes or you will lose them.
Bessara elegans are available for sale from the following nurseries
- Avon Bulbs
- Pottertons
- Woolmans
- Hardy tropicals
You may also be interested in
