The Autumn Daffodil
Sternbergia Lutea (Autumn Daffodil) bulbs are one of the best autumn flowering bulbs for a sunny position. With its bright, almost luminous deep yellow flowers and green foliage this is a real star in early autumn.
Originally from the Mediterranean area through to Asia, this is a bulb that has been grown in Australia for many years and that thrives in our conditions.
Growing conditions and care
Sternbergia grow well in a sunny position and are ideal for the rock garden. Sternbergia Lutea or Autumn Daffodil also do well in pots. Full sun is best and top dress with a well rotted compost when dormant. These bulbs are usually frost tolerant.
A soil that is well drained, particularly over the summer period is essential, and watering over summer should be avoided except in exceptionally long dry periods.
Sternbergia Lutea(pictured) or Autumn Daffodil will form a largish clump over time, and for best flowering the bulbs need to be divided every 5-6 years to promote healthy growth.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name -Sternbergia Lutea
- Common Name – Autumn Daffodil
- Family – Amaryllidaceae
- Origin -Mediterranean to Central Asia
- Plant Height – To around 10cm when in flower
- Plant Spread – Clump forming
- Position – Full sun.
- Soil – Well drained with some moisture, sandy loam to light clay, dry in summer.
- Flowers – Yellow.
- Flowering time – Late summer to autumn.
- Foliage – Linear in form and mid to deep green
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
- Drought tolerant – Yes.
Other Autumn Flowering Bulbs include:
- Belladonna Lilies
- Colchicum
- Crocus including goulimyi, kotschyanus, medius, pulchellus, sativus (saffron crocus) ochroleucus, and speciosus.
- Cyclamen These species are Autumn flowering : hederfolim, graecum,cilicium, mirabile, purpurascens, rohlfsianum and cyprium
- Lycoris – Spider Lilies
- Nerines
- Zephyranthes (Rain Lily)
Sternbergia Lutea Bulbs are available for sale from the following 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
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