by David Salman
This Mediterranean native bulb commonly known as Lily of the Field or Winter Daffodil provides a brief but fabulous bit of color in the fall xeriscape. The large, deep yellow, six petaled flowers appear suddenly in late September here in Santa Fe's high elevation, short season Zone 6 climate. (They bloom later in warmer areas.) The flowers illuminate their planting area for a couple of weeks before retiring for the season. But don't forget Sternbergia's ornamental evergreen foliage. The deep green, strap-like leaves hold their color right through the winter adding a startling element of green to the winter garden. Sternbergia is a xeric species native to the dry hills and mountains surrounding the northern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It prefers being planted in a planting bed with other xeric plants so it doesn't get too much summer water. I recommend planting it into xeric groundcovers or low growing perennials like Dwarf Silver Leaf Sage (Salvia daghestanica, as seen in the photo). The Salvia's silver foliage provides a dramatic backdrop to the bright flower and very green foliage. Silver groundcovers like Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium) and Patridge Feather (Tanacetum niveum ssp. amani) are complementary companions for Sternbergia.Starfish Iris (Ferraria crispa) flowers show off velvety purple spots and dense ruffles, to steal the show in the early spring garden, evoking the star-shaped creatures in tidal pool...
Learn MoreStarfish Iris (Ferraria) Starfish Iris Ferraria crispa$22.99Per Bag of 3Starfish Iris (Ferraria crispa) flowers show off velvety purple spots and dense ruffles, to steal the show in the early spring garden, evoking the star-shaped creatures in tidal pools. This unusual, eye-catching flower with a vanilla scent will attract hummingbird and butterflies. Starfish Iris will thrive in warm zones, and makes a show-stopping addition to container planting in colder zones.Tiger Flowers (also known as Mexican Shell Flower) are a must-plant for your mid-to late summer garden, with their eye-popping color and exotic patterns. While other flowers are fadi...
Learn MoreTiger Flower Mix (Tigridia) Tiger Flower Mix, Mexican Shellflower Mix Tigridia Mix$17.99 Sale $16.19Sale Price I Save 10%Per Bag of 25Tiger Flowers (also known as Mexican Shell Flower) are a must-plant for your mid-to late summer garden, with their eye-popping color and exotic patterns. While other flowers are fading, our Tigridia Mix will burst with a kaleidoscope of color and pattern. Hardy in zones 8-10, plant as annuals in cooler areas.
The Rioja Spanish Red Bulb Collection features a trio of fascinating bold red flowers. Spectacular petals and dramatic patterns will grace your garden from spring through frost. This...
Learn MoreRioja Spanish Red Bulb Collection Rioja Spanish Red Bulb Collection$60.99Per Collection of 21The Rioja Spanish Red Bulb Collection features a trio of fascinating bold red flowers. Spectacular petals and dramatic patterns will grace your garden from spring through frost. This collection of Aztec Lily (Sprekelia formosissima), Red Tiger Flowers (Tigridia pavonia), and Nuit D'Ete Cactus Dahlia will thrive in warm, full-sun gardens. Collection of 19 bulbs.The highlights of the Aztec lily are its spectacular bold red petals and bright green strap-like foliage. Not true lilies, Aztec Lilies (Sprekelia formosissima) belong to the Amaryll...
Learn MoreAztec Lily (Sprekelia) Aztec Lily Sprekelia formosissima$9.99Per Bag of 1The highlights of the Aztec lily are its spectacular bold red petals and bright green strap-like foliage. Not true lilies, Aztec Lilies (Sprekelia formosissima) belong to the Amaryllis family. Native to Mexico, they love heat. Spring blooming and may re-bloom. Makes a lovely container plant. Cold hardy in zones 8-10. 6-12" tall.