Underused in Australian gardens Acis autumnalis are a bulb native to Southern France and Morocco.They are related to Leucojums, a little rare in this country and sometimes difficult to find for sale but worth the effort for a most interesting bulb. Acis have undergone a name change is recent years, previously listed as Leucojum.
Varieties
- Acis tingitana is a tall species with pure white bell like flowers, from Morocco and Tangier, the flowers hang gracefully ‘nodding’ on long stems.
- Acis trichophylla is another species, similar except that the flowers are often tinged with pink and are a little more hat shaped.
A rather dainty garden plant, yet fairly hardy, wonderful nodding heads like little white hats. As the name suggests these are an autumn flowering bulb. They grow well in a rock garden situation however they also look great in a container, especially if raised a little so that the nodding flowers are more prominent.
Care
Acis do best in a well drained position in full sun. Acis will also do well in pots. With flowers in spring to early summer. propagation is easiest by division of established clumps. Also possible from seed.
These attractive plants will also grow well in containers, well drained soil and a sunny position is essential. Propagation by dividing the offsets or bulblets and over time they will form a good clump.