Dichelostemma ida-maia is the most widely grown variety of this interesting genus. Commonly called the ‘Firecracker Plant’ with spring rainfall, this is reasonably drought tolerant bulb once established.
From the Western USA it is long flowering, from spring through to early summer. Red flowers appear in terminal clusters.
The flowers are best described as cigar shaped with upturned or reflexed yellow to green tips. They appear in terminal clusters and on long stems to nearly 1 metre put on a great display un the garden or in a container.
The bulbs can be left undisturbed for 4 – 5 years when they are best lifted and divided. The time to do this is when the foliage has died back in late summer.
Care
Dichelostemma ida-maia requires a sunny position and a well drained soil.
- Prepare the soil by weeding and digging in good amounts of cow manure and compost.
- Plant the bulbs in summer to autumn when they’re available for sale.
- The bulbs should be planted at around 10cm (4 inches) deep and 8cm (3 inches) apart.
- When the new foliage and flower shoots appear water well once a week until the flowers fade.
- After this you can stop watering and the bulbs will tolerate dry conditions through the rest of summer.
Dichelostemma ida-maia bulbs are available for sale from the following participating nurseries
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au