If you’re looking for a summer-flowering bulb that brings a touch of elegant, fiery color to your garden, look no further than sandersonia. Often called the Christmas Bells or Chinese Lantern Lily, sandersonia produces graceful orange lily-like blooms that dangle from slender stems, creating a magical effect in borders and containers.
This tender perennial from South Africa isn’t as common as gladioli or lilies, but its unique charm is worth the extra bit of care. With the right know-how, you can grow these lantern-shaped flowers successfully and enjoy their long-lasting cut flowers indoors.
Sandersonia – Graceful Orange Lily-Like Blooms
The most striking feature of sandersonia is, of course, its flower. Each bloom is a plump, tubular lantern that tapers to a point, glowing in shades of bright tangerine to soft apricot. They appear in profusion on wiry, branching stems that rise from a small, finger-like tuber. The foliage is sparse, consisting of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that let the flowers truly take center stage.
Why Grow Sandersonia in Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to add this plant to your summer display:
- Unique Beauty: The form and color are unlike most other summer bulbs, offering fantastic visual interest.
- Excellent for Cutting: Stems can last two weeks or more in a vase, and their unusual shape makes for stunning arrangements.
- Container Friendly: Their compact growth (usually 18-24 inches tall) makes them perfect for pots on a patio.
- Pollinator Attraction: The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects to your garden.
Planting Your Sandersonia Tubers
Success starts with proper planting. Sandersonia tubers are typically available in late winter or early spring for planting after the last frost.
When and Where to Plant
Plant your tubers in mid to late spring, once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed. They need a warm start. Choose a site with full sun to light afternoon shade. The soil must be exceptionally well-draining; sandy loam amended with compost is ideal. Raised beds are a great option if your garden soil is heavy clay.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 10 inches. Mix in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Plant the tubers about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Look for any small, pointed growth buds – these should face upwards.
- Water the area gently but thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the tubers.
- Mark the spot clearly, as emergence can be slow (often 4-6 weeks). Be patient and avoid overwatering during this period.
Caring for Your Growing Plants
Once your sandersonia sprouts appear, they grow relatively quickly. Consistent care through the season ensures the best display.
- Watering: Provide regular water, keeping the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Reduce watering as the flowers fade and the foliage begins to yellow.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks from when shoots emerge until the first flower buds begin to show color.
- Support: The slender stems can be top-heavy when in full bloom. Install discreet grow-through supports or stake them gently early in the season.
- Mulching: A light layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps the root zone cool during the hottest months.
Overwintering the Tubers
Sandersonia is not frost-hardy. In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you must lift and store the tubers over winter. In warmer zones (8+), they may survive in the ground with a thick, dry mulch, but lifting is often safer.
- After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally. This process sends energy back to the tuber for next year.
- Once the leaves have yellowed and withered, carefully dig up the clump of tubers.
- Brush off excess soil and let them dry in a warm, airy place for a few days. Do not wash them.
- Store the dry tubers in a box filled with barely moist peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. Place the box in a cool, dark, and frost-free location (around 50-55°F is perfect). Check occassionally for any signs of rot or shriveling.
Propagating Sandersonia
You can increase your stock over time. The easiest method is by dividing the tubers during dormancy. When you lift them for winter storage, you can gently separate the smaller finger-like offsets from the main tuber. Ensure each division has at least one growth point. Store these separately and plant them as normal in spring. They may take two seasons to reach flowering size. You can also grow them from seed, but this is a slower process and requires patience.
Design Ideas and Companion Plants
Sandersonia’s airy, bright orange flowers pair beautifully with many other plants. They add a vertical accent and a pop of warm color.
- Plant them among lower-growing, blue-flowered plants like Nepeta (catmint) or Salvia for a vibrant contrast.
- Combine with white flowers, such as Shasta daisies or white gaura, to make the orange blooms really stand out.
- In containers, pair them with trailing silver foliage plants like dichondra or with deep purple sweet potato vine.
- They look fantastic emerging through a groundcover of creeping thyme or ajuga.
Common Pests and Problems
Sandersonia is generally trouble-free if its basic needs are met. The primary issue is tuber rot caused by wet, cold soil. Ensure perfect drainage. Watch for slugs and snails on new spring growth. Aphids may sometimes cluster on the tender stems; a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually manages them. If foliage appears streaked or distorted, you might have a virus; it’s best to remove and destroy affected plants to prevent spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are sandersonia flowers perennials?
Yes, they are tender perennial plants grown from tubers. In warm climates they can perennialize in the ground, but in most areas the tubers need to be lifted and stored over winter.
Can I grow sandersonia indoors?
You can force the tubers in pots indoors for earlier blooms. Plant them in containers in late winter, keep them in a warm, bright spot, and move them outside after frost. They generally prefer the full light and air circulation of the outdoors once the weather is suitable.
How long do sandersonia blooms last?
In the garden, the flowering period typically lasts 3-4 weeks in mid-summer. When cut for vases, individual stems can remain attractive for up to 14 days with proper care. Change the water regularly and recut the stems every few days.
Why are my sandersonia not flowering?
Several factors can cause a lack of blooms: insufficient sunlight, overcrowded tubers that need dividing, inadequate feeding during the growth phase, or tubers that were too small or immature. Ensuring a warm, sunny spot with rich soil and regular fertilizer during growth is key.
Is sandersonia toxic to pets?
Like many plants in the Colchicaceae family, sandersonia is considered toxic if ingested. The tubers and leaves contain compounds that can cause stomach upset. It’s wise to keep them out of reach of curious pets and children, though the risk is generally considered low compared to some other garden plants.
Adding sandersonia to your garden plan is a rewarding endevor. While they require a bit more attention than some summer bulbs, the payoff is immense. Those graceful orange lily-like blooms swaying in the summer breeze create a display that is both elegant and vibrant. By following these simple steps for planting, care, and storage, you’ll be able to enjoy these living lanterns in your garden and home for many seasons to come. Their unique beauty is sure to become a highlight of your midsummer garden.