Monthly Archives: September 2018

How to care for Scadoxus Multiflorus over winter

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This question was asked by
– J. Basham

All 6 bulbs flowered and I now I have quite a spectacular display of leaves and 6 flower heads. Do I dead head these or leave them until the leaves die back? They are in pots so in the very mild outskirts of London do I wait for the first frost before lifting? Should I be feeding the plants. Sorry for so many questions but saw these growing in Kirstenbosch and bought them from you!

Hi there,
After your Scadoxus Multiflorus has finished flowering, cut the flower head off and allow the stem and foliage to die back naturally. Stop watering after this and allow the bulb to lie dormant throughout the winter months. However, Scadoxus Multiflorus needs protection over Winter. We would suggest lifting them and storing them somewhere dry or moving the pot into a shed or frost-free area.

Loraine Hart

What to do with Eucomis Bicolor after it has flowered

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This question was asked by
– Philip

I bought three last marchnand they have been really good for the last 3 months. How do I treat them over the winter ?
Can I leave Eucomis Bulbs outside or are they better in my shed ? Should I cut off the flowering stems ?

Once your Eucomis has finished flowering, cut away the flower heads and allow the foliage to die back. Once it has turned yellow, the foliage can be removed.
If you are leaving your Eucomis outside, they will need protecting over winter. Apply a mulch to protect from hard frosts. Cover with 10cm thick of bark or leaf mould.
If your Eucomis are in containers, they need to be kept in a frost-free place over winter, bring them into shelter (like a shed or greenhouse) from October. Allow the compost to dry out for the bulbs to become dormant.
If you wish to lift your Eucomis bulbs, dry the bulbs off and store them in a frost-free place such a shed or greenhouse.

Loraine Hart

When should lilies be planted?

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This question was asked by
– A. Gibson

You state delivery for lily bulbs is February to May; I am concerned that by May it will be too late to plant them for summer flowers. I would have thought they should be planted about November.

Thank you for your email. Lilies need to be planted in the Spring for Summer flowering. Once planted, they take 10 to 12 weeks to flower. The lily bulbs we continue to dispatch in May have been held back and in cold storage. They will then flower within the 10-12 week period once planted. They will then revert back to their original flowering cycle the following year. Hope this helps.

Loraine Hart

Letting lilies die back

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This question was asked by
– B. Bartle

Is it necessary to remove the seed pod the flower has left and then let them die back?

Yes, you need to cut the seed head off your lilies and let the lily’s stem and foliage die back naturally. This feeds the lily bulb so it flowers again the following year.

Loraine Hart

Hymenocallis Festalis – White (Pack 3 Bulbs)

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This question was asked by
– C. Bulmer

Hi,
A very basic question from a beginner- exactly what does lifting and storing for winter mean? I don’t have a shed or greenhouse, but do have a cool and dry loft, would that be suitable, and do they need to be stored in anything, eg.e soil etc?
thank you
Cate

Good morning,
No that is a good question and one that I’m sure other gardeners would be interested to know. If you have planted your Hymenocallis Festalis in the garden, once it has flowered, cut the flower head off and allow the stem and foliage to die back naturally, remove dead foliage and lift the bulb from the ground. Brushing off any soil. Place the cleaned bulb into a paper bag for example and store in a cool, dry place like a garage, greenhouse or shed. Your Loft will be sufficient too. Once any risk of frost has passed, you can re plant your Hymenocallis Festalis.
If you have planted your bulbs in pots, simply bring the pots under cover during the cold and wet months.

Loraine Hart

Harrogate Flower Show

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This question was asked by
– IVAN BRENTNALL

Well enough to attend this year. Calling in on Friday and Sunday. Will bring some tomatoes on Friday.
Look forward to seeing your display of lilies. Do you still have Muscadet in stock?

Great news! See you then Ivan! We have Muscadet in stock but it won’t be available to buy at Harrogate Flower Show but you can order it from us there.

Loraine Hart

Harrogate Flower Show

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This question was asked by
– IVAN BRENTNALL

Well enough to attend this year. Calling in on Friday and Sunday. Will bring some tomatoes on Friday.
Look forward to seeing your display of lilies. Do you still have Muscadet in stock?

Great news! See you then Ivan! We have Muscadet in stock but it won’t be available to buy at Harrogate Flower Show but you can order it from us there.

Loraine Hart

Growing Spring flowers indoors

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This question was asked by
– C. Towell

Mini Tulip Giuseppe Verdi, would these bulbs be suitable for growing indoors in a large bowl? If not, could you recommend some spring bulbs that are. Many thanks

You can plant the Guiseppe Verdi tulips outside in a pot/container and then bring them inside once they are flowering.

The other bulbs we would recommend for indoor flowering and this would be in time for Christmas would be Hyacinths and Amaryllis (Amaryllis bulbs are due online soon).
Hyacinth Delft Blue (Pack of 6) (SKU17938)
Hyacinth Pink Pearl (Pack of 6) (SKU179381)
Hyacinth White Pearl (Pack of 6) (SKU1793811)