Also known as the Aztec Lily, Jacobean Lily or St James Lily, Sprekelia formosissima is one of the most distinctive flowering bulbs you can grow. Native to Central America, it produces striking scarlet-red flowers with an orchid-like appearance that never fail to attract attention.
Although often considered unusual today, the Jacobean Lily has been grown in gardens for centuries. It was especially popular during Jacobean times, giving rise to one of its common names, and is still occasionally found flourishing in older gardens. Easy to grow and long-lived, it is equally at home in garden beds or containers.
Over many years of growing these bulbs ourselves, we’ve found they are one of those plants that quietly improve with age. Established clumps produce increasingly impressive displays each spring, and while an individual bulb may occasionally skip flowering, the clump as a whole becomes more reliable each season.
This particular species has been cultivated since Jacobean times, hence the name, and was widely grown as an indoor plant. Also known as the St James Lily, it is said to resemble the insignia of the ‘Knight of St James’.
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Sprekelia formosissima
- Common Names: Aztec Lily, Jacobean Lily, St James Lily
- Plant Type: Perennial bulb
- Height: 40–45 cm
- Flower Colour: Brilliant scarlet red
- Flowering Time: Mid spring to early summer
- Sun: Full sun to light afternoon shade
- Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich soil
- Water: Regular during active growth, dry during winter dormancy
- Best For: Containers, borders, cottage gardens and collector gardens
Sprekelia formosissima care
One of the attractions of this bulb is just how little care it needs once established. Given excellent drainage and a dry winter rest, it will reward you with spectacular flowers year after year.
The foliage is upright, narrow and fresh green, reaching around 40–45 cm in height.
Light
Grow in full sun or where plants receive some afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Soil
Good drainage is essential. Improve heavier soils with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Bulbs dislike sitting in wet soil during winter.
Watering
Water regularly while the bulbs are actively growing through spring and summer. Once the foliage begins to die back, reduce watering and allow the bulbs to remain dry throughout winter dormancy.
In our own garden we rarely water established plants once summer rainfall takes over. Container-grown bulbs need a little more attention, but the potting mix should never remain constantly wet.
Fertiliser
Top dress with a high-potash fertiliser in spring to encourage flowering. After flowering, apply a light dressing of well-rotted cow manure together with blood and bone to support healthy foliage and replenish the bulbs for next year’s flowers.
Growing Sprekelia in Pots
Growing Sprekelia in containers is often the easiest option, particularly in areas with wet winters. Use a quality free-draining potting mix and choose a terracotta pot if possible, as it helps excess moisture evaporate. Position containers where they are protected from winter rain, or move them beneath cover once the foliage has died back.
We’ve consistently found container-grown bulbs flower more reliably in climates with wet winters because it is much easier to keep the bulbs dry during dormancy.
How to Plant Sprekelia.
Best grown in pots in areas with wet winters as these are a plant that requires a dry dormancy. Or plant them just beneath the eaves of a house where they will get some protection from rain in winter and over time they will form a clump as pictured below..
You can’t easily grow them indoors and flower them, you can bring them indoors once the flowers begin to open.
- Plant in pots or in the garden in winter
- Choose a well drained soil in a position that receives part shade or afternoon shade.
- A humus rich soil with well rotted manure or compost dug in is best.
- Bulbs should be planted with the necks of the bulb itself above the ground.
- Water in and leave until spring.
- Top dress with some potash in spring to improve flowering
- Bulbs will flower from mid spring to summer.
- After flowering top dress with a little cow manure and blood and bone to promote growth.
- Water regularly through summer
The bulbs can be left in the ground or lifted after the foliage dies back (in early winter)
Once established these are a drought tolerant bulb. We very rarely water them in the garden, however in pots you do need to make sure that the soil does not dry to the point of desiccation.
Planting Distance and Dividing
- This is a bulb that grows well in containers and can be planted around 6cm apart.
- In the garden give them a little more room 10 – 15 cm.
- Leave undisturbed for a few years, however they will become crowded and will need to divided eventually.
Other species
Sprekelia glauca and Sprekelia howardii are two of the rarer species.
Where To Buy
'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
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
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