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Gardening
Galore
Bulbs can play an important role in the garden
especially in late winter and spring. Fortunately there is a great
variety of indigenous bulbs available from the Southern African
region. This article is about plants with bulbs, corns, tubers,
rhizomes and thick fleshy roots.
Bulbs generally prefer a loose well drained soil,
enriched with compost. Feed bulbs after flowering as the storage
organ posses enough food reserves for leaf and flower production but
needs to store the food for the next crop of leaves and flowers.
Agapanthus is a good garden subject grown in clumps
with a fleshy Rhizome and lots of tough fleshy roots. It is able to
go without water for quite a long time. The Rhizomed multiply
annually. Plant in a sunny place with compost-enriched soils.
Amaryllis is another useful and fairly hardy bulb for
the garden. They also need good composted soils and little
disturbance. The Crinium is easy to grow from seed and hardy in the
garden. It grows from large bulbs and tolerates waterlogged
conditions during the rains but is also drought resistant.
The Iris family are generally quite hardy with its
strap shaped leathery leaves being drought tolerant and when
flowering, a very showy plan.
Crocosmia grows from corms and does well in semi
shade, multiplies quickly, attracts birds and can be used as a cut
flower.
The various gladiolus are also grown from corms that
can be left in the soil for a few years. They will produce cormlets
which will grow into flowering size in a season or so.
Clivias are part of the amaryllis family and grow
best in shady condition. Clivias resent being disturbed, so grow in
a pot with good compost and morning soil. Top dress with fresh
compost or compost teas.
Freesia hybrids from corms planted in full sun can
give a stunning display of strongly perfumed flowers. They like to
be well drained and not over watered.
Ixia hybrids produce a lovely slow of colour and
multiply quite quickly from the corns. The Nerine Lilles add a
splash of colour and are easy to grow if you have the summer
rainfall. Varieties also like a rich well drained soil.
Redhot Pokers are one of my favourites as the birds
love them, as with all the aloes, for their showy flowers. Watsonias
if you can get hold, often would take a lovely show and the Arum
Lillies like wet conditions in the wild so plenty of water during
the growing season will ensure good strong growth and flower. |
May 2005