Rhodophiala

Rhodophiala are relatives of Hippeastrum and many are named as such in older literature. Mostly they are smaller plants than Hippeastrum and they are more temperate in distribution, being found in cooler, mountainous and Mediterranean zones. Most are much easier to grow than Hippeastrum in our climate. Many autumn/winter growing species such as advena, bagnoldi and ovalleana grow well as Mediterranean bulbs with a dry summer dormancy. These are best under frost-free conditions.

The spring/summer growers from Chile and Argentina spend a long, dry winter under snow. They include Rhodophiala andicola, araucana, elwesii and splendens. These need year-round cool conditions but are almost hardy, especially if kept dryer in winter.

A fertile, loam-based compost in a pot or bed under frost free glass is ideal in the UK and cold glass is sufficient for bedded-out bulbs in the south of the country.

Several new forms of the hardy Rhodophiala bifida are in cultivation in the UK. These are best bedded out under glass since in pots they can split-up at the expense of flowering. We have however grown these forms in the ground here and it is becoming increasingly obvious that they overwinter with success.

Available for ordering from both our Autumn and Spring lists, though the species range will vary between lists.