Rehydrating Bulbs

Radiant and bright. That’s the Kaffir lily, not me.

I was cleaning the windows the other day and was amazed at how many spiders were nesting in the eves.  Maybe it’s just the fact that it’s autumn and that’s what spiders do, but it might also the fact that I have hundreds of caterpillars climbing the walls as the look for somewhere to cocoon themselves up and unwittingly finding themselves being a food supply .  I’m being very selective and moving the spiders to pastures new as I wash, i don't want to add to the negative press they are getting, the caterpillars are not getting the same level of attention though.

Talking of autumn things, I was in the beautiful Muff woods this week and noticed the fungi and mushrooms are out in force, leaves are starting to fall and I can’t fathom out if I should just be wearing a shirt, jumper or a full overcoat. We start the days off cool and damp then it turns hot in the sun then cool in the evenings.  This suits me as I can throw the clothes layers off and it certainly suits the fungi, I have never seem such a variety as this year.  

There are other types of plants that enjoy this type of weather and one of them is a new addition to the garden. The Kaffir lily or “Schizostylis coccinea” to give it its Latin name. I was given a clump of these autumn flowering bulbs by my mother in law, all nicely wrapped up in newspaper and ready for planting out just before their flowers came out.  For now I have planted them into a pot until I decide where in the garden they will go.

How to grow Kaffir lily

The flowers remind me of crocosima, or montbretia as they are also called.  The iris type flowers are pretty though and in the evening the flowers close and nod in the breeze. The plants originate from South Africa and enjoy warm wet summers and cold and dry winters so should be at home here.

There are many forms of Schizostylis coccinea. The copper-red 'Major' is the most readily available and a very good performer. There is a pure white form, 'Alba', which has narrower petals. You might see some other types in the garden centres from time to time.

Growing tips

They do survive in dry gardens, but they look miserable and flower poorly, if at all. It is possible to improve flowering by mulching them with a thick layer of gravel in spring after heavy rain. This will preserve moisture and allow them to flower. The gravel also filters winter rainfall. The frosts will kill off the top growth but they will return next year. If you have heavy clay, add lots of grit and put them in a sheltered position against a wall.

The kaffir lily will look good grown on their own, rather like nerines, and could be used along a sunny path or in a border. Position them away from the edge as they tumble forward. Or use them in front of deciduous shrubs and trees because the warm red or clear pink flowers, held well above the foliage, add a touch of freshness just as the leaves fall.

Buying Bulbs

As this week’s article reads like an actual gardening page, I’ll continue with another topic of the month- buying bulbs for spring and summer flowers.  The shops are full of different varieties for every type of garden. Lilies, gladioli, daffs, tulips, muscari, anemone, allium, the list is long. 

Some bulbs, (especially if you are like me and only buy them when they are reduced to sell) will be a bit dehydrated and in need of a bit of care before planting out.  

Amaryllis or lily-of-the-valley, will need  soaking before planting to give them a head start. Other bulbs, when you get them out of the packs, need to be checked over before planting.

Problems

There aren’t many problems to watch out for with shop bought bulbs, apart from checking that the bulbs are healthy to start with. However if you have them stored, pests to look out for include slugs, snails, squirrels (particularly with tulips and crocus) and diseases such as daffodil viruses, grey mould in snowdrops, narcissus basal rot, tulip fire and tulip viruses. Gently squeeze the bulb. If it is mushy or collapses, the bulb is dead. If the bulb is firm beneath your fingers, it's still alive. . Discard any that show signs of disease and rot.

Rehydrate a Dried Flower Bulb

If the bulbs feel a bit dry, fill a container with tepid water and remove any loose husks or dirt from the bulbs. If the bulbs have reproduced, gently pull the small bulbs away from the parent. They should separate easily.

Place the flower bulbs in the water. Soak for three to four hours. You can also soak overnight, but don't leave bulbs in water more than eight hours or they will absorb too much water and rot. Plant the bulbs in well-drained soil roughly twice as deep as the bulb is long. Plant as soon as possible after you get them.