Description
There are not that many Australian bulbs compared to other parts of the world, there are fewer Amaryllids, there are fewer still really good ones, but this is one of the best.
The small bulbs make umbels of about 20, attractive, deep-purple flowers each of which has a shallow trumpet, akin to a daffodil. These carry a faint, pleasant scent, evident close to the flower. It loses its leaves in summer, at which time it needs a dry rest before flowering and re-commencement of leaf growth in the Autumn. Seed, when produced, germinates on the plant, in the manner of many South African species and it needs to be sown at once.
Probably tender in the UK, but growable outside in slightly warmer areas. It likes a well drained, loam based soil but one with plenty of organic matter present as well.
This really is an outstanding rarity and one we are delighted to list, at last. Incidentally, the combination and spelling of Calostemma purpureum, is the correct one.
Picture © Angelo Porcelli, with permission and my thanks.
