Brunsvigia bosmaniae
A rarely available but easily grown
large bulb from the Amaryllidaceae family, vaguely related to the Belladonna
Lily. The flower head is approximately 40-50cm across with 30-40
individual soft pink flowers opening progressively over a number of weeks.
Even the seed head is fascinating as the older flower heads droop to
complete a tumble weed effect. During the growing season, the 6-8 leaves
hug the ground like a star fish. There are a number of species of
Brunsvigia in the genus but this is one of the most uncommonly grown here in
Australia.
Being a large bulb, there can be quite
a wait between sowing the seeds and flowering (6-8 years) but it is worth
it. Seeds are easily germinated but must be sown immediately
- they cannot be stored and they may even commence germination in transit.
Simply sow on the surface of a good quality seed raising mix (carefully
push them in to the mix to half their depth - don't cover them) and kept moist.
They'll start to germinate in just a couple of weeks at the most.
Alternatively, sow them on the surface and gently spread course sand or
fine gravel around them but still leave the seeds partially exposed. The
coarse material will help protect the seeds from disturbance during the
germination and watering process.
It makes an excellent container plant or can be grown in the garden in a sunny position in open well drained soils. Although one of the winter growing species, for best display, the plants should be grown in a position protecting the large starfish like flat fan of leaves from hail and too much rain in winter if possible - they don't like wet feet. It is summer flowering with the flower spike appearing after late summer rains.
This sale is for 10 fresh, just harvested seeds, ready to sow. Seeds will be sent in small plastic vial in either a cardboard CD mailer or padded envelope for protection in the post.
No international buyers please - Australia only.
I can combine postage costs – just add each item individually to
your cart and then click the Request Total button (computer only - phone apps
don't seem to offer this function). Sorry, I would love to but because of
local regulations, I cannot send to Tas, WA or NT. In such situations,
the risk is with the purchaser.
Always label your pots with name and date of sowing/planting!