CYRTANTHUS. Southern Africa. Showy amaryllis allies, easily grown outdoors in mild winter areas but best treated as outdoor-indoor pot subjects in most of northern California. The bulbs multiply freely, each new offset quickly reaching blooming size. Their fountains of leaves, usually narrow and dark green, are attractive year-round. Clusters of tubular, sometimes delightfully fragrant blossoms are carried above the leaves at various times, in some cases thoughout the year. These are outstanding bulbs for pots and tubs. Sun or light shade near the coast, light shade inland, reasonably well drained soils, moderate watering. The following are hardy to around 25oF.
brachyscyphus. This is one of the most rewarding bulbs I have grown. The leaves are nearly erect, about 1’ long, while the flower stems are considerably taller. The individual blossoms are narrowly bell shaped, about 1½" long, and colored a blazing dark orange.
hybrids. These are of unknown parentage, though they clearly involve C. mackenii, listed below. They are extremely prolific, quickly forming dense colonies. Both leaves and stems are about 1’ long and arching. They bloom mostly in the cooler months, with 2" sweetly scented, narrowly tubular blossoms colored cream to bright red.
mackenii ssp. cooperi. Very similar in general features to the hybrids described above, though a little taller. Soft yellow blossoms about 2½" long grace the plant in late spring and summer.
purpureus (Vallota speciosa). Scarborough lily. South Africa. A robust species, resembling an amaryllis more than it does the other species included here. The leaves are around 1’ tall, broad and dark. Stout 1-2’ stems rise in late summer and fall to display clusters of 3" flaring, broad-petalled blossoms. Their color is an unusual orange-red.