Chasmanthe
Iridaceae
Perennials, Flowers
These South African natives send up their 2-ft. irislike fans of bright green leaves shortly after the first rains of autumn. Narrow, 3–3 1/2-ft.-high spikes of bright orange-red flowers followin late winter or early spring,putting on a striking early show.Plants are fairly hardy, but latefrosts may damage flower buds.
In fall, plant corms 4 in. deep and 8–12 in. apart in well-drained soil. Corms multiply rapidly; dig and divide every 2 to 3 years. These plants spread easily; great for naturalizing. They are roadside weeds in some areas. During summer dormancy, plants don’t need (but tolerate some) irrigation.
Unbranched and once-branched spikes bear blossoms along both sides; each spike carries 12–28 flowers. C. f. duckittii has yellowflowers.
Veltheimia bracteata
Handsome foliage is reasonenough to grow this South Africannative. Each bulb producesa fountainlike ro...
Melaleuca thymifolia
Low, spreading bush2–4 ft. tall, 4–8 ft. wide. Barkis corky, flaking, grayish brown.Narrow blue-green ...
Stenocereus thurberi
Native to Ariazona and Mexico. Columnar cactus branching from base (also from top, if injured) to form...
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