Another drought tolerant bulb from South Africa Haemanthus humilis comes in a number of forms, the species has pink flowers and a ‘giant’ form is also available.
Other difference do exist in terms of flower colour and size. This is a summer flowering plant and the foliage follows. The foliage itself is a deep green and broad.
Haemanthus humilis subsp hirsutus has white flowers and is from an area of summer rainfall.
Care
In a well drained soil this is very easy care bulb. It flowers reliably for us every year. We use very little fertiliser, and never water them.
They grow welling the ground as well as in containers.
Propagation
Easy by division and also possible from seed. Seed needs to be fresh and sown directly after collection.
You can divide them every 5 – 6 years which will improve the growth.
Pruning
No pruning is required, simply remove the dead foliage.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Haemanthus humilis
- Botanical Family – Amaryllidaceae
- Common Name – None known.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Climate zone – Cool to Warm Temperate. Not suited to sub tropical or tropical areas.
- Soil – Well drained to dry, best in a sandy soil with some moisture through summer.
- Height – To around .6 metres.
- Spread – To around .8 metres across when in full foliage.
- Growth Rate – Medium
- Flowers – Pink or White depending on variety..
- Flowering Time – Summer
- Foliage – Large deep green scrappy leaves.
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
- Drought tolerant -Yes.