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Red hot Sprekelia is commonly known as the Aztec Lily or Jacobean Lily, but it isn’t a lily at all. This scorching babe, actually a member of the Amaryllis family, will add a bright dash of crimson to your yard.
Gardeners in Zones 8 and warmer are probably already familiar with this flowering bulb; it is commonly recommended for Southern landscapes. However, our northern friends can enjoy it too. Simply plant bulbs in a container, and bring the pot into the garage over the winter. Bulbs should be planted about 4" apart and just below the soil surface, with the bulb "neck" sticking out slightly.
Before sharing its spectacular ruby blooms, Sprekelia (Pronunciation:. sprek-KEEL-ee-uh) sends up several thin, strap-shaped, foot-long leaves in the spring, much like a rain lily. A couple of individual flower stems will then appear on each plant, with the spectacular 5" red flower opening soon after.
While the foliage is nice and tidy, the flower is, of course, the main attraction. It is unusual in its shape and is sometimes described as "orchid-like". The petals of the flower are in 2 groups - the upper 3 stand up, curving back at the tips, while the lower 3 are pendent, rolling up like a tube at the base, encircling the stamens.
If given idea conditions - dry winter soil with modest alkalinity, excellent drainage and full sun - Sprekelia may reward you with flowers in spring and again in the fall. However, this plant can be temperamental and may not bloom at all some years.
Mine languished in the shadow of some aggressive cannas and didn't do anything last year. Needless to say, the cannas got ripped out and are now gone. However, I'm hoping all that digging action didn't rattle my Sprekelia too much. Disturbing the roots tends to make them a little cranky. If you're planting Sprekelia in a pot, select a large-sized container right off the bat to prevent the need for repotting in the future. Sprekelia will multiply, so give it plenty of room.
The most common cultivar, Sprekelia formosissima isa native of Mexico. Beyond that, there are only a few known additional hybrids, thanks to noted bulb enthusiast and plant hunter Thad Howard. (Thad even has a Sprekelia named after him, the smaller, thin-petaled Sprekelia howardii.)
Hybridizers have experimented in combining Sprekelia with Hippeastrum (amaryllis) to get a hardier, more reliable bloomer. The result: Hippeastrelia, a huge, full, crimson flower.
For my part, I prefer the more open-faced look of the original Sprekelia. And I'm anxious to see if, after a year off, mine will reappear to grace me with its ruby beauty.
About Tamara Galbraith
I am an avid organic gardener and certified Master Gardener for Collin County, Texas (that's North Dallas).
Despite those lofty titles, I still manage to kill stuff on a regular basis. My gardening experiences are periodically chronicled on my blog at: http://can-u-dig-it.blogspot.com
Posted by portuguese_kate (from Leiria
(Portugal)) on April 18, 2008 at 9:20 AM:
I enjoyed reading the info - planted 3 of these bulbs about 5 weeks ago in front of a deck in the west side of my garden here in Portugal - the Costa da Prata (the coastal region area north from Lisbon). Hope they bloom this year - our flowering season for some plants can be quite odd - "Red Hot Pokers" aka Kniphofia bloom in the winter and spring not the end of the summer! It's all a challenge gardening in a different country & climate (ex eastern England)
Keep up the good work, helpful advice is always appreciated!
K
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Subject: Nice!!
Posted by bananass (from North Fort Myers, FL) on April 1, 2008 at 4:45 PM:
I am in SW FL and like seeing pics of flowers that grow in this zone. I've not seen that variety, impressive.
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Subject: Sprekelia
Posted by Superlec (from Loughman, FL) on March 31, 2008 at 1:15 PM:
