Habranthus

Habranthus

Although this is quite a large and widespread genus in the wild, there are but a few species in cultivation. Habranthus are related to Zephyranthes but they differ in the way that the anthers are arranged within the flower and in the angle at which the flower is held to the stem. It may sound trivial on paper, but it changes the appearance of the flower, making them look much more like little Hippeastrum.

Cultivation is easy in almost any well-drained soil based compost, under glass in the UK as they are not fully hardy, or in a pot. In warmer climes they are fine bedded out in a siutable compost or soil, in a sunny site.



Available for ordering from Spring and Autumn lists.

Products

Habranthus tubispathus

Habranthus tubispathus

(cupreus)

This is a widespread plant in the wild, a native of Argentina which is also found in Chile and Peru and probably the SE USA (having been spread there by missionaries) although the US plant is quite distinct.

Narrow leaves and copper coloured buds which open to strong orange-yellow flowers. These are produced in a flush when the plant is re-watered after its summer rest, but also sporadically throughout the year, whenever the plant is kept on the dry side and then heavily watered - you may not even realise that you have done this until a flower pops up!

An easy going species which makes a dependable display each year. Needs to be under frost-free glass in the UK. Any fertile, well-drained soil seems suitable.

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Habranthus tubispathushabtubtub £3.50

Habranthus tubispathus roseus

Habranthus tubispathus roseus

Good sized, strong white flowers flushed strongly outside with deep madder. These are borne very freely from June to September here and you may also get sporadic blooms through the year, whenever moisture follows a dry period.

Easily grown in a pot or greenhouse bed in any fertile, well-drained compost. Dry over the summer but the plants will tell you when, by losing their leaves. Re-water after 4-6 weeks of dryness - ideal for summer holidays!

You may see this under the name of gracilifolius, as other UK nursery stocks of that species are very frequently mis-identified and are either not true to name, or are mixed. This is how we got our original stock plants.

Photo Pontus Wallstén, with many thanks.

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Habranthus tubispathus roseushabtubros £4.50
flowering sized bulbs
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