Romulea

A group of easy care bulbs from South Africa and Europe, Romulea are related to Crocus.

Species such as R. sabulosa with its large red glossy flowers that appear in late winter to spring make a wonderful addition to the garden and are equally at home when grown in containers.

How to Grow Romulea from seed.

Seeds are best sown in late summer to autumn/fall.

In containers use a tallish pot and a good quality potting mix.

• Sow seeds on the surface of the potting mix.
• Lightly cover with potting mix.
• Add a thin covering of coarse washed river sand.
• Water in well.
• Place the pots in a sunny position and keep moist but not wet.
• Seeds should germinate in around 10 days.
• Grow on in these containers through the first year.
• Bulbs/corms should flower in the second spring.

Care

A dry summer dormancy is required for most of the South African Species. so refrain from watering after the foliage begins to die back in late summer.

Fertilise in autumn with an organic fertiliser with a little added lime.

Divide bulbs when the foliage has died back in summer.

Romulea Varieties

• R. sabulosa
• R. komsbergensis has brilliant hot pink flowers with a deeper blue marking in the throat.
• R. fibrosa is pale pink to mauve.
• R. bulbicodium has classic purple flowers with a yellow throat.
• Romulea hartungii is from the Canary Islands, purple flowers in spring.
• Romulea tortuosa is from South Africa, yellow flowers often with brown marking or blotches on the lower throat part of the petals.

You can buy Romulea Bulbs from the following nurseries

BRYAN H TONKIN - Ph (03) 9728 1295 Fax (03) 9728 1299
'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