Dichelostemma ida-maia

Dichelostemma ida-maia (synonym Brevoortia ida-maia) is a unique and charming bulbous plant. With a rather late development in spring, this species is fairly resistant to cold if its bulb is protected from frost and excessive humidity. It blooms spectacularly in late spring or early summer, in clusters of tubular flowers with vibrant red edges bordered by green and white. Plant it in a raised bed or a rockery that is sunny for at least part of the day. The key to its growing success is perfectly well-drained soil that is quite dry in winter and after flowering.

Dichelostemma ida-maia belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is a cormous perennial, native to California and Oregon. It thrives naturally in a Mediterranean-like climate, with mild and humid winters and dry summers. Its growth is theoretically winter-based. It starts again in autumn in mild climates, but in spring everywhere else. Its foliage consists of 2 long green leaves that resemble those of certain grasses. It turns yellow at the time of flowering, which occurs in May or June-July depending on the climate and region. Dichelostemma bulbs thrive in light and well-drained soil that is moist during the growth and flowering period, then drier until early autumn. They are usually planted in autumn, like crocuses and tulips. Although their resistance to cold is moderate (-7 to -8°C (19.4 to 17.6°F)), it is wise to protect them with a thick mulch in winter outside of mild regions. Bulbs can rot if the soil is too wet after flowering.

Dichelostemma ida-maia will reach a height of about 70cm (28in) when in bloom. The flowering lasts for 3 to 4 weeks in late spring or early summer. Slender, rush-like stems emerge from the bulb. They bear the loose, umbel-shaped inflorescence. Each umbel is composed of several pendulous tubular flowers. Each blood-red flower is formed by a tube made up of fused sepals, which flare and incurve at their tip to reveal a greenish interior. From this tube emerges a small corolla of white-cream petals. The plant multiplies by producing bulb offsets.

Dichelostemma ida-maia can be grown in pots, which means it can be protected from severe cold in winter and excessive humidity in both winter and summer. In the ground, it can be placed in a raised bed, behind low-growing plants or dwarf bushes, or in a rockery in a good pocket of compost. This unusual bulbous plant is ideal for bridging the gap between spring bulbs and summer flowers. It pairs well with California poppies, catmints, stipas, and perennial flax. Thulbagias (cormous South African plants with pink or violet flowers), variegated alstroemerias, and ixias are also good companions.