Ammocharis

This genus comprises five or so species in Southern Africa. The genus has been swollen by a recent merger with Cybistetes and the transfer in of Crinum nerinoides.

Ammocharis are frost-tender, summer-growing bulbs for cultivation under glass in the UK. They are not difficult in almost any sandy, or well-drained, soil-based compost but the bigger species really need a large root run to do well. This allows the searching root system adequate resources of food and water.

In time they develop into large bulbs, clothed with thick, horny scales of insulation formed by dead leaf sheaths (these are sharp and you will need to watch your fingers if you decide to clean them off, they can penetrate gloves!).

As with almost all Amaryllidaceae they sulk after flowering, especially as they have to re-establish their root system, please be patient, however this will give you time to prepare for the spectacular display that the larger species make.

Available for ordering from Spring and Autumn lists.