Exotic Sprekelia (the jacobean lily) and Zephyranthes (fairy lilies)

Slender, tapering, red petals give Sprekelia an exotic aspect. It sends out but one flower to a scape, and it requires the same general care as amaryllis. The most common complaint with novice growers seems to be, “I can’t get it to produce flowers the second year.” While in active growth it must never become dry.

Too, the Jacobean lily requires constant fertilizing. I alternate fertilizers-one time a complete commercial type, next time fish emulsion. The plants are sturdy enough to stand summering in the garden, but if you live in a cold area, do not set them out until you are certain danger of frost is over. I once planted a number of sprekelias in the garden on Memorial Day; the following morning there was a freeze so hard the bulbs took the whole summer to recover, and they did not bloom the following winter.

Bulbs are reasonably priced-about 50 cents each in catalogs. Potted plants in bud or bloom bring you about $2.00 each. If you want to try for intergeneric hybrids, this might be a good plant for you to work with. There are reports of hybrids between Sprekelia and Crinum.

Zephyranthes (fairy lilies)

Of easiest culture, the fairy lilies are ideal for the indoor garden, patio, porch box, or greenhouse. The bulbs are small and can be planted singly in 4-inch pots, or several to a bulb pan. The flowers in shades of rose, white, and yellow look like tiny amaryllis. Culture, including rest period, is like that of amaryllis.

Tags: home greenhouse

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