Position – Sun
Soil – Well-drained
Flowering Period –Late summer
Hardiness – Half hardy
Acidanthera are cormous perennials that originate from East Africa and have a variety of English names. Stunning pleated foliage with huge, white hooded and fragrant blooms conjure maroon blotches from the centre stamen, spreading outward from each petal during the summer time. They are versatile plants that make great cut flowers, alongside enhancing your borders and pots in a variety of garden styles. They can grow to a height of approximately 60cm (24”) and a spread of 20cm (8”).
Acidanthera are best planted in moist, well-drained soil within loam, chalk or sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH level. It is recommended that you plant a handful of bulbs in a large container or pot, dug 10-15cm deep with the tips facing upward. These can then be planted into the ground during the summer months when the weather is warmer.
Towards the end of autumn, remove the container or bulbs from outdoors and store in a warm, dry place. If there is a chance of a mild winter, it may be possible that you will only need to apply a thick mulch layer to the base of your plant, where it should survive the cold weather. Water Acidanthera during periods of drought and when soil becomes dry to the touch.
You can propagate Acidanthera from the small corms that grow on their larger counterparts. Plant these into fertile, rich soil where they will be at optimum health within two years.
