INDIGENOUS-BULB CULTIVATION

Do you love special or unusual flowers? These indigenous-bulb nurseries offer something for every connoisseur.

When the sun starts to lie in every morning and the soil temperature drops, it’s time to get bulbs into the ground. Few surprises match the wonder when these “gift packs” present you with fragrances and brightly coloured flowers a few months later, just when you thought winter was dragging on for too long.

Hadeco, a company that has been cultivating bulbs in South Africa since 1946, offers some handy advice for a striking display.

Group many of the same types of bulbs together, rather than spreading them around the garden, for an even greater visual impact.

Plant bulbs between annuals or perennial plants so that the bed is a permanent attraction while you wait for the first bulb leaf to show itself above ground.

Plant different types of bulbs that flower at different times so that your garden looks fantastic from the middle of winter until spring.

When grouping different bulbs together, make sure the ones that grow taller are planted at the back of the bed.

Plant fragrant bulbs such as freesias and hyacinths near a window or door you use frequently, or close to your stoep. Since 2003 Sadawatara has grown into the largest watsonia-bulb nursery in South Africa. “Watsonias are mostly admired in the veld,” says owner Gavin Schafer, “but very few nurseries stock watsonias.” Where? On the R62 in Eastern Cape, in the heart of the Langkloof Valley. What makes the nursery unique? A wide variety of deciduous and evergreen watsonias in every colour of the rainbow – from pale lime and vanilla to snow-white and wine-red. Favourite bulb? “Watsonia victoria has a beautiful unusual purple colour” says Gavin. The SA Bulb Company was started in 2007 by Johann and Leigh Nieuwoudt, cofounders of the renowned Simply Indigenous Nursery at Hartbeespoort Dam. Where? In North West, on the southwestern corner of Hartbeespoort Dam. What makes the nursery unique? “Our large variety of indigenous summer- and winterrainfall bulbs,” says Leigh. “At any one time, we have between 260 and 300 varieties.” Favourite bulbs? “We really do love them all but have a soft spot for bulbs with fascinating leaves, such as Massonia (right), Resnova, Gethyllis and the Haemanthus family, especially It was 10 years ago that Rob Scott, inspired by the knowledge he picked up on veld walks he enjoyed as a young boy, planted his first bulb seed. “I’m crazy about bulbs because you forget about them when they aren’t blooming, and then they surprise you out of the blue. Then, just before you stop appreciating them, they vanish for another year,” says Rob. Where? Near Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape, at the foot of the Amathole mountain range. What makes the nursery unique? Rob cultivates a number of scarce bulbs that can’t be bought anywhere else in the world. He specialises in Cyrtanthus (fire lilies). Tip “Watsonias must be planted at the right time. The deciduous type should be planted between November and February, when they’re ‘sleeping’. The evergreen kind must be planted in the middle of winter. Watsonias like well-drained acidic soil.” Contact 072 298 5300 sadawatara.co.za ‘nortierie’, ‘deformis’, ‘humilis giant’ and ‘albiflos giant’.” Tip “Well-drained soil is essential, especially in pots. Twice a year you should give the plant organic food. Don’t overwater, and don’t plant bulbs with small growth habits in large pots.” Contact 012 207 3403

thesabulbcompany.co.za Favourite bulbs? “Cyrtanthus spiralis with its beautiful spiral leaves and Brunsvigia marginata with its large, flamered flower ball.” Tip “Indigenous bulbs like soil that drains well. Don’t give them too much water or you’ll very likely lose them to rot.” Contact 043 683 2452

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