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William's Featured Plants: Summer Amaryllids and Aroids



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William's Plants - Summer Bulbs - Amaryllids and Aroids

colocasia flowers

Certain plant families are dominant players in a particular season.   For instance the rose family is prevalent in spring with cherries, crabapples, almonds, hawthorns, peaches, spireas, and quinces blooming in whites, pinks, and reds throughout the entire season.   In summer there are many bulbous families that put on a show; but for northern gardeners who want to grow tropical plants the amaryllis and arum families perform the best.

The charts below list some members of the families and their attributes.

Size category: S = small to 18", M = medium to 36", L = large over 36"

 

 

Amaryllidaceae - the daffodil or amaryllis family

These bulbs are found throughout the world. Their large, bright, sometimes fragrant flowers make them showy additions. The foliage is usually grass or strap like and blends unobtrusively into the garden.   The daffodil family has chemicals in its leaves that deter most pests.  

 

In cold climates these bulbs are best suited for container culture.   The fleshy roots won't be disturbed during storage, and they can easily be moved to display areas when in bloom. Check out some Amaryllidaceae flowers.

 

Name

Size

Attribute

Winter Culture

Amaryllis

M

Large pink trumpets in late summer without foliage

Treat as bright light houseplant while growing

Chlidanthus

S

Yellow, fragrant trumpets in early summer

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

Crinum

L

Colorful trumpet or spidery flowers mid to late summer

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

Hippeastrum

S

Large, colorful bowl shaped flowers in early summer

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

Hymenocallis

M

White, spidery flowers early to mid summer

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

Lycoris

M

Colorful trumpets in late summer without foliage

Treat as bright light houseplant while growing

Scadoxus

M

Round, red umbels in early to mid summer

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

Sprekelia

M

Red flower with twisted petals early summer

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

Zephyranthes

S

Small colorful cups that often bloom continuously

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

 

 

Araceae - the arum family

These tuberous plants excel in the warmer parts of the world.   The arum family's large, decorative leaves bring a feel of the tropics to the garden.   They are great for bringing interest to shady areas or woodlands, but also capable of growing in a sunny border, if they have enough moisture.   In water gardens treat them as marginals or container plants.   Their foliage comes in a dizzying variety or shapes, patterns, and colors.   Fortunately, since the leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, few pests bother their lush summer display.

 

The flowers of Araceae are contained by an advanced spathe and spadix structure.   Most of the plants listed here have insignificant summer flowers or dramatic flowers in other seasons.   The exception is the calla lily, Zantedeschia , which adds creamy flowers and classic foliage to the summer garden. Check out some spathe and spadix structures.

 

Name

Size

Attribute

Winter Culture

Amorphophallus

L

Large decorative leaves

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

Arum italicum

S

Decorative ground cover, red berries in August

Hardy.   Plant in well drained, shade garden

Caladium

S

Decorative ground cover

Very tender.   Before frost store dark, dry, and warm

Colocasia

L

Large decorative leaves

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

Sauromatum

M

Decorative leaves

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

Zantedeschia

M

Calla lily flowers, decorative leaves

Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool

 

 

Other families with honorable mention include the Iridaceae, Alliaceae, Liliaceae, and Asphodelaceae.   These are hardy to half-hardy plants that with some pampering can perennialize in the northern gardens.

Gladiolas are spectacular members of the iris family, whose flower spikes are familiar to all.   Hardy European varieties bloom in early summer.   The onion and lily family have striking, colorful members native to western America, such as: Brodiaea , Calochortus , Dichelostemma , and Tritelia .   These early summer marvels require dry conditions during dormancy from autumn to spring.   Asphodels, like Asphodeline and Asphodelus , add spikes of bright flowers in early summer.   Both are from southern European mountains and need sharp drainage.   For sources, check plant societies in their native areas.

 

Click here for more info on summer bulbs.

 



wemoss.org 2006, Last Updated June 27, 2006