Brunsvigia - Candelabra Flower

(Brunsvig'ia)

DESCRIPTION: These tender bulbs are natives of South Africa. Their funnel-shaped flowers are brilliantly colored. They may be scarlet, red, or pale red. They are produced in the summer in large bunches terminating the thick, 2- to 2½-foot stalks. Their leaves are fleshy, and strap-shaped, averaging 2 feet in length.

POTTING: A minimum winter temperature of 45 degrees in the greenhouse is required. They should be planted in equal parts of sandy loam and peat. Repotting is done when new growth starts in the spring. They need full exposure to the sun in order to produce flowers. When they are actively growing, their soil needs to be kept moist, but as the foliage begins to wither, the water is lessened gradually and throughout the winter the soil is kept quite dry. These plants may be grown outdoors in California and other similar climates.

PROPAGATION: The offsets or small bulbs may be detached and potted.

VARIETIES: B. Josephinae; B. gigantea; B. minor.

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