Exotic Bulb Plants
Growing ornamental flowers from bulbs can be a rewarding experience. Gardeners who have enjoyed growing such standards as tulips and amaryllises may want to investigate the realm of more unusual bulbs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Spider Lily
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Spider lilies are members of the Nerine genus, which encompasses around 25 species, including Nerine bowdenii and Nerine sarniensis. These native South African plants consist of springy, erect stems up to 2 feet tall, topped with showy clusters of brilliant red or pink trumpet-shaped blooms with thin, curly petals. Spider lilies should be planted in spring under 3 inches of rich, well-drained soil. They love full sun and bloom in autumn.
Grape Hyacinth
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Grape hyacinth blossoms The grape hyacinth plant (Muscaria botryoides) has long, green, arching belt-like leaves and reaches a mature height of 9 inches. This low-maintenance bulb enjoys shade. It should be planted 3 inches deep and 4 inches apart in cool, moist soil in autumn. In early to mid spring, spires bearing clusters of rounded, indigo flowers resembling grapes appear.
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Green Ixia
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Green ixia (Ixia viridiflora) is a deciduous perennial bulb indigenous to Africa. In the southern hemisphere, it is winter-growing and summer-dormant. This plant produces tall spires bursting with a profusion of starry six-petaled light green flowers with dark purple centers. Green ixia is pollinated by scarab beetles. It has been cultivated in Europe since the 16th century.
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