Page 38 - Intra Muros May Issue 2025

GARDENING

HOW TO PLANT INDIGENOUS BULBS

By Elize Malan

lthough most of South Africa’s bulb
species are better suited to winter
Arainfall areas, Gauteng gardeners
still have a variety to choose from. Bulbs
that are often planted include Gladiolus,
Sandersonia, Gloriosa, Haemanthus,
Moraea, Babiana and Dierama.

While these are popular options, I would
like to discuss my favourites:

Crocosmia (falling stars)
We have eight indigenous species in the Crocosmia (falling stars) Nerine bowdenii (pink nerine)
country; they come in different shades of
orange.

The bulbs prefer moist, semi-shaded
spots in the garden. The tall flower stalks
will grow 70cm to 90cm in height and
are better suited at the back of a mixed
flower bed. The flowering season is from
December to March and the flowers
combine well with Agapanthus. The Eucomis (pineapple lily) Clivia miniata (bush lily)
plants are evergreen in warmer areas.

Crocosmia are excellent cut flowers. The The bulb prefers full sun to partial shade, but grown in containers, potting soil marked
seeds are easy to germinate, but seedlings it will grow better in colder areas of Gauteng, as “coarse potting mix” will be suitable for
will take at two seasons to flower. in moist compost-rich soil. The bulbs need mature plants and “seedling mix” can be
to be planted close together (5cm apart) to used for Clivia seedlings.
Eucomis (pineapple lily) achieve good results.
This is a very hardy deciduous bulb The plants are evergreen and flower
that grows from spring to autumn. The Do not disturb the bulb and keep the soil in spring. Hybrids in yellow, white and
unusual sweet, scented flowers appear on dry during the dormant phase. You can different shades of orange are available.
tall, heavy stalks in shades ranging from propagate new plants from offsets or fresh
cream to pink. They look so impressive! seed. The seeds germinate quickly, but Do not remove the leaves under the
seedlings will take a few seasons to flower. trees where Clivias are planted as these
Given that the plants flower, the bulbs leaves are an essential part of the growth
need a wind-protected spot in partial Clivia miniata (bush lily) medium. Propagation by division should
light and shade. Plant them in well- Although it’s a tuberous rhizome, Clivia be done without damaging or cutting the
drained soil. is classified as a bulbous plant. Its natural fleshy roots. Treat the roots with fungicide
habitat is on south-facing slopes, under trees before replanting your Clivia so as to
Do not disturb the bulb and remember to or on top of shady rocky areas. prevent root rot.
mark the spot during the dormant period.
Propagation can be done by removing Clivias are semi-epiphytic plants (air plants) Tel: 012 804 1807
offsets from the mother bulb or from and the roots grow in leaf litter or a similar Fax: 012 804 0278
seed. growth medium. Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
Nerine bowdenii (pink nerine) The large, fleshy white roots give Clivia plants
This lovely autumn flowering deciduous excellent drought resistance and provide
bulb is very hardy. It’s suitable as a nutrient storage.
container plant or a massed bedding
plant and is often used as cut flowers. The Recreate the natural soil conditions, and your
sturdy flower stem can reach up to 70cm. Clivia plants will flourish. When Clivias are

36 | INTRAMUROS MAY 2025