Haemanthus humilis ssp. humilis in bud
I have been growing Haemanthus humilis sap. humilis since 2013. The seeds were obtained from a contribution from Jim Shields to the Pacific Bulb Society as part of their bulb and seed exchange program. The plants came pretty quickly the next year but I have waited and waited for any indication that they would like to flower. And then, as luck would have it this bud appeared the day before we were scheduled to leave on a ten day trip to Colorado. And as I looked more closely I saw that other pots were also in bud.
Haemanthus humilis ssp. humilis budding
Fortunately my son was able to get a couple of shots later in the week showing their progress and it looks likely that they will still be in bloom when we return home.
Haemanthus humilis ssp. humilis in flower
Haemanthus humilis ssp. humilis
This is all a testament to patience as you wait for plants to reach their potential. These pots were full of plant with no indication of flowering, so I was beginning to wonder if they were worth repotting. It’s also another endorsement for the Pacific Bulb Society which is a wonderful resource for bulbs from all over the world, not just via the bulb exchange which they carry out but for the comprehensive information that is provided by members.
As another example of a plant obtained from the PBS this Eucomis was in flower when I left.
Eucomis vandermerwei
Eucomis vandermerwei
This was obtained from small bulbs distributed by the PBS (also in 2013).
Not too shabby. I love the fat leaves on them, and to have several flowering the same year is almost overload!
Your greenhouse benches are awfully full considering it’s not that old. That must be another side effect of PBS membership 😉
Yes, I think I joined the PBS shortly after starting the greenhouse and I never realized this whole aspect of growing south african and south american bulbs. It wasn’t the original intention of the greenhouse but it has been an added joy.