Cyanella

(Cyanel'la)

DESCRIPTION: These are tender bulbs, natives of South Africa. They grow about 12 inches high, have lance-shaped leaves and bear blue, purple, yellow or white flowers in the summer. The name Cyanella refers to the blue color of the flowers of one kind.

POTTING: In October, five or six bulbs are set, 2 inches deep, in a 5-inch pot filled with two parts loam, one part leaf mold and a bit of sand. Place the pots in a cold frame and cover with peat moss until they start to grow. They are then placed in a greenhouse having a minimum winter temperature of 45 degrees. Water is applied liberally while they are actively growing, but when the leaves begin to fade, watering is gradually discontinued and the soil is kept dry until potting time.

PROPAGATION: Offsets may be detached and potted separately when the plants are repotted.

VARIETIES: C. capensis; C. alba; C. odoratissima (lutea).

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