Hesperantha (syn. Schizostylis)

A superior red seedling that arose here and one that is a bit larger than the other large red selections we grow. It was fun to lay out a table of flowers of all the cultivars and our seedlings for comparative evaluation. It was quickly apparent that it is hard not to love red and might as well go big. Just add water, food and sun. The name refers to Anna Massena, Princess d'Esseling and Duchess of Rivoli of France. Her husband was a serious amateur ornithologist with 12,500 bird specimens including an unidentified hummingbird which he had collected along the west coast of North America. This was later named Calypte anna - Anna's Hummingbird. This is a favorite resident here all year and loves the winter flowers in our greenhouses during spates of freezing weather. The males are little emerald green Jack Russell's, flashing a conspicuous Rivoli Red throat patch.

A seedling selection named by us for the extra large flowers which when compared to others, is not only beyond the pale ones but all others as well. Signaling the end of summer, the September-October flowers of the palest pink are similar to the cultivar 'Pallida' but bigger so of course it has to be better. These will be ecstatic in rich, moist soil in a sunny position. Used to be Schizostylis.

aka Schizostylis. This selection of the Southern African bulb was selected by plantsman Eric Smith and sports flowers of a deep salmon pink that even the best of sunrises would find a welcome addition the palette. Said by some British sources to often be found still blooming at Christmas, good tidings indeed for those Northwesterners desperate for a little Winter sunshine.

aka Schizostylis. A later blooming selection of perhaps more stoutness in stem and flower than some other clones. A good rounded pink flower on comparatively stout stems that holds the flowers nicely. And it is true that we enjoy the flowers here in November assuming we don't get an early cold snap. A good increaser and for those of you who have to be dragged kicking and screaming into winter refusing to let go of the last vestiges of summer then this is the plant for you.

A name given to this with assuredly the kindest of intentions. This selection of the former Schizostylis has sumptiously provocative buxom pink flowers which if you like that sort of thing - and we do - will be just the ticket for your garden. Feed her some nice meals, give her plenty to drink and let her lounge in a warm, sunny spot and she will be happy.

aka Schizostylis. An outstanding introduction by our friend Urs at Edelweiss Nursery. Compared to the cultivar 'Oregon Sunset', this has wider more rounded petals, is a shade or two darker colored and is significantly larger in flower. This is quite new to the market and is a great shot of color for the Fall garden. Very easy.