Crinum Lily, Macowanii, African King, small-size bulb, Exclusive

Description: DESCRIPTION: We have named this "African King" because it is the largest macowanii that we grow. We grow over 1000 different crinum including about 350 of our own hybrids. We have several very nice macowanii varieties. These bulbs were originally imported from a grower in Africa in 2001 as small seedlings, about 1-2 years old. They first bloomed in April 2003 and formed some seed. In 2004 and 2005 they really started producing large quantities of seed (seeds range from the size of a small marble to almost ping-pong ball size). This is a bulb from the seeds that we started in the summer of 2004-5, so they are now a blooming size. They grow to about 3' tall with 4-5' leaves and have very large bulbs that will grow to over 6" in diameter. This is a choice crinum and one of the most rewarding to grow because of its size, beauty and good growth habits. There is a good possiblilty that this is actually a fertile hybrid, or at the least a cross of two different macowanii. Crinum macowanii is a species that forms seeds but almost never produces offsets. This is typical of many of the crinum species. On rare occasions they will form new offset bulbs but that usually happens only after a bulb is dug and nicked or damaged in some way around the basal plate (the bottom of the bulb where the roots form). African King has actually formed a few offsets bulbs for me in the first 12 years but not many. It is a prolific seed producer, however, and we have successfully used it as a seed parent or pollen parent in many crosses with other crinum species and hybrids. It is one of the most majestic and beautiful of all crinum. The scapes stay erect and are topped with white, ornamental blooms whose tips recurl back about 360 degrees. Since crinum live for decades, a clump of these bulbs can create a nice focal point in your flower beds that will be a treasure for decades to come. The flower buds swell up like baloons that are just being inflated. The bud is white with attractive light red-brown stripes on the outside. Once the flower opens, it is tulip-shaped and white inside. The flowers open in the evening over a 2-3 day period, point outwards and then droop down by the second day looking like decorative bells. The flowers are very fragrant. BACKGROUND: Macowanii growing naturally in Africa are a somewhat variable species ranging in color from pure white to having medium pink stripes on the outsides of the buds. GROWING CONDITIONS: When these bulbs mature and are producing seeds, you can let the seeds fall and start growing where they fall or plant them. Crinum seeds should be placed on the surface or slightly pressed into the soil or potting medium but not covered. They are photo-sensitive and need light to grow properly. If the root has already started to form, very gently bury the root on or just below the surface taking care not to break it off from the main seed. In a few weeks the leaves will start to emerge. It can take the seeds up to several months to germinate. Although they can be started in the sun or shade, we recommend starting them in the shade in a small container like a 1 gallon pot. Once they start to grow, keep the soil moist. They can be protected in the pot from freezing over the winter or just plant them in the ground with a bit of mulch to protect them (zone 8 or above). In cooler zones we suggest protecting the plant until it is at least a year or two old. Then it might be OK in zone 7. Anywhere cooler will probably require a greenhouse or dormant indoor storage in the winter. Once the bulbs are planted in the ground, they should be spaced at least 18" apart. DESCRIPTION OF ITEM FOR BID: You are bidding on a small-size bulb that is at least 1 year old and about 1/2" in diameter. It should bloom within 3 years. The bulbs will be freshly dug and shipped bare root. WE SIZE OUR BULBS APPROXIMATELY BY AGE AS FOLLOWS: A few varieties can take 6 years or more to bloom. Jumbo bulb – has bloomed at least 2 years, close to the maximum size for that particular plant (6+ years old) Large bulb - should bloom this year or next (3+ years old, close to, or at blooming size) Medium bulb - should bloom in 1-2 years (at least 2 years old) Small bulb - should bloom 2-4 years (current year or 1-2 year old offset) Seedling bulb - started from seed (usually in its first year of growth unless otherwise stated) PHOTOS AND OTHER INFORMATION: These are pictures of our plants, so you know exactly what they look like and what you will receive. The photos show the plant in various stages of growth. Please feel free to contact us for additional information, and click on "Me" following our star rating. Also, we invite you to go to our store (little red door) and look at other items we have for sale. Powered by eBay Turbo Lister The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.

Price: 20 USD

Location: Middleburg, Florida

End Time: 2024-11-30T18:49:16.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD