Bravoa - Scarlet Twin Flower

(Bravo'a)

DESCRIPTION: These are half-hardy, deciduous (leaf losing) bulbs, native of Mexico. From the long, slender leaves grows a stem, 2 feet long, from which loose bunches of orange-red flowers are produced in July.

POTTING: These plants can be grown in greenhouses or outside where, when protected, they will only receive a few degrees of frost. When planted outdoors, they should be set in light, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position. When planted in pots, 3 bulbs can be set in a 6-inch pot that's filled with loam and leaf mold with a bit of sand in October. Place the pots in a cold frame and protect with ashes until January or later, or they may be kept in a cool cellar. Next, they are taken into a greenhouse or cool, sunny window or they can be allowed to flower naturally in the frame. After the leaves have withered, the soil should be kept dry until fall, when the bulbs are taken out and repotted.

PROPAGATION: Offsets, or small bulbs, can be removed in September and potted, several together, in 5-inch pots.

VARIETIES: B. Geminiflora.

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