Massonias - Daubenya and Neobakeria

All of these may sound too exotic, but they are hardy bulbs to grow, giving many weeks of flowering happiness and their leaves remain for months, double bliss.

Massonias are attractive plants again coming from South Africa. These are fairly hardy even in the United Kingdom where in mild winter regions these can be grown outdoors. Below zone 8 I would not try them outdoors.

The broad pairs of leafs in this group sit on the ground. Depending on the species grown the leaves can be either smooth or covered with tiny little bristles giving a sand paper look and feel to the plant.

These flower in winter, are easy to grow, and require the same growing conditions as the above related genera. Massonia depressa will be known to most gardeners. This winter grower with prostrate rounded leaves has white flowers with yellow stamens and green bracts between them.

Because things are not offered for sale at your local nursery or because they have strange sounding names, please don't be put off from growing these things.

In Australia and the milder regions of the U.S.A. and U.K. all of the South Africans grow well and flower profusely.

If you let folks know what your interests are, like seed companies; they often hold seed for you ahead of the pack. I say seed, because all of the above from seed adapt to your climate far better than buying in bulbs to watch perhaps - die.

Remember with most bulbs - Drainage, drainage, drainage.

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