WHO TO CALL: Community Editor Home and Garden Editor Andrew McCredie Layne Christensen 985-2131 (147) 985-2131 (118) Po EI STEEL SS Ges Mt EL gt pape tn Local South A Roy Jonsson J sow it grows AS I mentioned in a previous article, South Africa is the home to a great many bul- beus or fleshy rooted plants. Tuse the word “bulbous” loosely to include true bulbs, corms, fleshy roots, tubers and rhizomes. Many of the South African bulbous plants have. been transported to other . regions of the world and hybridized to improve the color, size and blooming habit. In fact, you may be growing some of these plants and not be aware of their origins. In this article £ will focus on the liliales plant order, which includes many species suitable for this area. Before trying any of the new varieties, be aware that the hardi- ness and growing requirements for each plant vary greatly. South Africa is at least one or two zones warmer than we are and this means that some of the South African indigenous plants grown here in B.C. must be treated as annuals, grown as greenhouse specimens or given special protection in the win- ter. The liliales order contains five families, one of which is liliaceae. Comprising 250 genera and 3,560 species, this family includes many of the South African bulbous plants. Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) is not from Egypt but is actually from South Africa, and there are many forms including short and tall vari- eties that come in both white and blue. Along the boulevards around the Cape they are used for massed plantings. Around these parts they need to be well mulched or protect- ed for the winter. Kniphofia praecox (Red Hot Poker, as it is commonly called) is another member of the family. It also has a root rather than a bulb For best selection ,, of sale fabrics shop before February 26th AEF up to 55% off and can take far more frost provid- ing vou keep ithot and dry in the summer. Tulbaghia fragrans is a third exception to the bulb pattern and has a rhizomatous root. The pun- gent aroma and taste has given it the common name of wild or sweet garlic. It is not common to our area, Eucomis autummnalis (Pineapple Flower), Lily reticulatum and Omithogalum thyrsoides (Star of Bethlehem) can all be grown out- side in well-drained protected areas. Unfortunately some of these bulbs are not easy to come by. For example, Gloriosa superba, Lachenalia aloides (Cape Cowslip) Littonia modesta, Sandersonia aurantiaca and Scilla natalensis arc unique bulbs and are too tender to be grown anywhere but the green- house. A second major family of plants is [ridaceae (70 genera and 1,800 species) and the examples are all in the corm group. The hardier ones are Acidanthera capensis, Crocosmia aurea, Freesia refracta and Gladiolus alatus. One form or another of these corms are common to many local gardens. A similar group in appearance that are less common and slightly less hardy are Babiana stricta, Ixia viridiflora, Sparaxis grandiflora, Tritonia crocata and Watsonia aletroides. All need a fittle extra protection, must be treated us annu- als or kept in the greenhouse. The VanNoort Bulb Co. has many of them in their wholesale catalogue so ask your local garden shop if they can order them in. The third family is amarylli- daceae (75 genera and 1,100 species) and the examples are all bulbs except for Clivia miniata, which has a thick fleshy root, dark green, strap-like leaves and a showy orange-red flower. In South Africa they are widely grown as garden plants but here they are excellent potted plants. Keep them pot-bound and cool them in the winter to set flower buds. Amaryllis belladona has an eye- catching bloom but should not be confused with the large bulbs that are commonly used for forcing. The Latin name for the common or Dutch amaryllis is Hippeastrum puniceum, although the name is rarely used. A belladona is not hardy and must be grown like a Clivia. Cyrtanthus contractus, Nerine bowdenii und Scadoxus 656 Sa eA et d a on 9 ALN ey. ng ele Ns ‘ HEWS phote Pau! McGrath THE CALLA lily (left) and gerber daisy are both examples of South African plants that have found homes in North Shore gardens. Planted close to a house or In a well-drained, protected area, calia lities will survive well. Keep them well watered when growing, advises Roy Jonsson. puniceus are all tender, less com- mon and must be grown with win- ter protection. A fourth family, Araceae (110 genera and 2,000 species) has one well-known example and that is the common Calla Lily or Zantedeschia. There are many vari- elies and hybrids with heights of 30 em (12 in.) to } im (3.3 ft.) and col- ors of white, cream, yellow and pink. Planted close to a house or in a well-drained, protected area they will survive well. Keep them well watered when growing, Although I did not see all of these plants growing in the wild it was fascinating to see clusters of flowers that | recognized, growing in their natural setting along a stream bank or on an old burn site. Many others were far more com- mon in South African gardens, Wide spread cultivation of South African plants on the North Shore will always be restricted by hardi- ness, but some species are bound to become more popular. EARLY SPRING SALE BEDSPREADS up to 30% off “Custom made” by Maxwell, [/ Diamond, Lubotesx, Robert Allen, Draco, Cava & more DRAPERY FABRICS & SHEERS Robert Allen, Aftes, Jackson, Waverley. 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