Exotic Warm Bulbs from South America for a Northern Aspect

 DESIGN ELEMENTS

Warm Bulbs What Are They?

Spring flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, freesias, bluebells, to name a few are all bulbs from the northern hemisphere. They do best in cool climates and once the main spring show is over, there's nothing left to excite.

• It's time to changeup or simply extend the flowering season to what garden designer Peter Nixon terms 'warm bulbs.' 
• These come from warmer climates such as South Africa and South America, therefore are more suited to a large part of eastern Australia-the 'cool sub trops.' (Cool sub-tropical).
• The other benefits of these spectacular bulbs are that they flower much later and longer;  late spring into summer and even autumn.

Thunia marshalliana photo P Nixon

Warm Bulbs part 3-Northern Aspect with Shelter

So what do you plant in your shady area perhaps under trees where there’s usually dry shade?
As long as it’s not gloomy, such as really dense shade.

These bulbs are not for the harsh western aspect of exposed to harsh winds.

Thunia marshalliana from northern Thailand. 

Expect to see a cycle where it dies down before fresh new leaves come through in spring, with flowers appearing in summer. 

The leaves remind me somewhat of a crucifix orchid in the shape and configuration. 

The flowers are a standout white with a slight fragrance and grow atop long arching canes.

You could grow these in a large hanging basket so you could see the flowers from below.

• When in growth, apply plenty of orchid fertiliser.

• Propagation is super easy; just like for the keikis (baby plantlets) at the ends of canes, and cut of and pot up.

Worsleya procera commonly known as the Red fox orchid  or  lavender hippeastrum.

Worsleya procera

One of the world's rarest bulbs originating from Rio de Janeiro.

Flowering can take  up to 7 years !

Leaves are deep green that have an unusual curvature giving them a sculptural look.

Listen to the podcast, it's rather long but very interesting.

Species Hippeastrum: Not your ordinary hippies!

Don't go past species Hippeastrum that originate for the most part, in south America.

• All of course are in Amaryllidaceae family.

Hippeastrum papilio

You won't find much information about these hippeastrums in general so take note.

Some of these can grow as epiphytes in their natural environment!

• In the ground, they need superb drainage but not under trees unless the canopy is quite high, say 2-3 metres above the bulb.

Start your collection with the Hippeastrum papilio or  green Hippeastrum calyptratum  or 

Hippeastrum psittacinum: The name means parrot like, referring to the brilliant coloring.  From Brazil, growing in full sun to partial shade.

Hippeastrum calyptratum

Hippeastrum psittacinum or parrot hippeastrum

Peter outlines quite a few of the species hippeastrums so have a listen to the podcast.

PLAY Bulbs for a northern aspect_7th July 2021

I'm talking with Peter Nixon, garden designer from Paradisus garden design. www.dgnblog.peternixon.com.au; www.paradisusgl.peternixon.com.au     

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If you have any questions or feedback for me or Peter about these bulbs, why not write in to realworldgardener@gmail.com or info@peternixon.com.au