Sprekelia

Aztec Lily, Jacobean Lily

They are similar to amaryllis, and like hippeastrums they were formerly classified under amaryllis. They have a rosette of strap-shaped leaves to 50cm. The bright red flowers are very showy and comprised of six petals to 13cm wide. The petals are arranged as 3 across the bottom of the flower, two recurved ones on each side, and one slightly broader, central, upright, top petal.  

Uses

Greenhouse plants or summer border plants in cooler temperate regions. 

Culture

Plant in late summer to early autumn. These bulbs prefer full sun when growing. Begin watering in spring and keep them moist throughout the growing season, then ease off watering during dormancy. In warmer climates they may be grown at any time outdoors. In cooler climates they are usually grown in greenhouses. If grown in greenhouse pots, plant one bulb per 10-12cm pot, or several in larger pots. Pots may be placed in the garden in cool temperate climates for summer, or the bulbs may be planted out in beds for summer then after flowering they can be lifted, dusted with a fungicide, and stored dry over winter.

Propagation

This is best achieved by separating offsets from the parent bulbs. This is done in the autumn after the leaves have died back. For potted plants, re-pot every autumn and divide offsets.