Cypella

(Cypell'a)

DESCRIPTION: These tender bulbs are closely related to the Iris. They are found in South America. The long, narrow leaves are wrinkled and from 1 to 4 feet long. The flowers, which resemble those of the Iris, are yellow or blue. The name is from kypellon, a cup, and refers to the shape of the flowers.

POTTING: These bulbs need light, rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position. The bulbs are planted, 4 inches deep and 2 inches apart in the spring. In the fall they are lifted and stored in dry soil and protected from frost during the winter, or, where winters are mild, they are left undisturbed and the bed is covered with leaves or salt hay. When they are grown in a greenhouse, they may be planted in November, in 5-inch pots filled with two parts sandy loam, one part leaf mold and a bit of well-decayed manure. Six bulbs should be set in each 5-inch pot and covered with an inch of soil. They are then placed in a cold frame and covered with moss or peat moss until the shoots appear. They are then taken in the greenhouse having a minimum temperature of 40 degrees. Water carefully until the flowers have faded and the foliage starts to die. Water is gradually decreased to ripen the bulbs.

PROPAGATION: The offsets may be detached and potted and replanting time.

VARIETIES: C. Herbertii; C. peruviana; C. plumbea.

Back to our botanical home page.