If you’re looking for a summer-flowering bulb that brings a touch of elegant, fiery color to your garden, look no further than the sandersonia. Often called the Christmas Bells or Chinese Lantern Lily, sandersonia produces graceful orange lily-like blooms that dangle like delicate lanterns from slender stems.
This unique plant is a real conversation starter. It’s not as common as some other summer bulbs, but its charm and relatively simple care make it worth seeking out. Here’s everything you need to know to grow and enjoy these beautiful flowers in your own space.
Sandersonia – Graceful Orange Lily-Like Blooms
Native to South Africa, Sandersonia aurantiaca is a tender perennial that grows from small, finger-like tubers. It belongs to the same family as lilies (Colchicaceae). The flowers are its main attraction. Each bloom is a hollow, bell-shaped structure that tapers to a point, glowing in shades of bright orange to apricot. They appear in profusion, and because the plant is a climber, it can be trained up a small support for a stunning vertical display.
Why Grow Sandersonia?
There are several great reasons to add this plant to your garden:
- Unique Beauty: The shape and color of the flowers are truly distinctive and add a exotic feel.
- Excellent for Cutting: Sandersonia is a superstar in the vase. The flowers last a remarkably long time when cut, often over two weeks.
- Container Friendly: It grows very well in pots, making it perfect for patios, balconies, or gardens with limited space.
- Summer Color: It flowers in mid to late summer, providing color when some early bloomers are starting to fade.
How to Plant Sandersonia Tubers
Getting started with sandersonia begins with the tubers, which are usually available for purchase in late winter or early spring. They look a bit like small, pale claws or fingers.
Choosing the Right Time and Place
Plant your tubers in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Sandersonia needs warmth to start growing. They prefer full sun to light afternoon shade. In very hot climates, some protection from the strongest afternoon sun is beneficial.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Prepare the Soil: Whether in a pot or the ground, ensure the soil is well-draining. Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Heavy, soggy soil will cause the tubers to rot.
- Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant the tubers about 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Lay them horizontally on their side. Space them roughly 6 inches apart.
- Watering In: Give them a gentle but thorough watering after planting. Then, water only sparingly until you see green shoots emerge, which can take several weeks. This prevents rot during the initial stage.
- Provide Support Early: As soon as shoots appear, install a light support, like a few thin bamboo canes or a small obelisk. The stems are slender and will need something to twine around as they grow.
Caring for Your Growing Sandersonia
Once your plants are up and growing, care is straightforward. Consistent attention will reward you with a bounty of blooms.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged during the growing season. A deep watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient, depending on your weather.
- Feeding: Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer once growth is vigorous. You can switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium (like a tomato feed) when flower buds begin to form to encourage better blooming.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your plants free of weeds, which compete for nutrients and water. A light layer of mulch can help with this and also retain soil moisture.
Overwintering Your Tubers
Sandersonia is not frost-hardy. In cooler climates (USDA zones below 8), you’ll need to lift the tubers in the fall to store them over winter. Here’s how:
- After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally. This process sends energy back into the tuber for next year.
- Once the leaves have turned yellow and withered, carefully dig up the tubers.
- Gently brush off excess soil and let them dry in a warm, airy place for a few days.
- Store them in a box or paper bag filled with slightly moist peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. Place the box in a cool, dry, frost-free location like a garage or basement.
- Check occassionally through the winter to ensure they are not drying out completely or becoming moldy. A light mist on the storage medium may be needed if they seem shriveled.
Common Pests and Problems
Sandersonia is relatively trouble-free, but keep an eye out for a few potential issues:
- Aphids: These small sap-sucking insects can cluster on new growth. Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and Snails: Young shoots are vulnerable. Use your preferred method of control, such as beer traps or organic pellets.
- Tuber Rot: This is almost always caused by overly wet soil. Ensure excellent drainage and be cautious with watering before shoots appear.
- Poor Flowering: If you get lots of leaves but few flowers, the plant may be in too much shade or may need a higher-potassium feed.
Design Ideas for Your Garden
Sandersonia’s climbing habit and bright flowers offer lovely design possibilities.
- Grow them in large pots with a decorative support on a sunny patio.
- Plant them at the base of a sunny fence or trellis where they can climb.
- Use them in mid-border with lower-growing plants in front. Their vertical lines add great structure.
- Because they are such good cut flowers, consider dedicating a row in your cutting garden specifically for sandersonia.
Propagating Sandersonia
You can increase your stock of plants by dividing the tubers in spring, just before you replant them. Gently separate the small, offset tubers from the main clump. Ensure each division has at least one growing point or “eye.” Replant these divisions as you would normal tubers. It may take a season or two for them to reach full flowering size, but its a cost-effective way to get more plants.
FAQ About Sandersonia
Are sandersonia perennials?
Yes, they are tender perennials. In warm climates they can stay in the ground year-round. In colder areas, you must lift and store the tubers over winter.
When do sandersonia flowers bloom?
They typically bloom in mid to late summer, ussually from July to September, depending on your climate and planting time.
Can I grow sandersonia indoors?
Yes, you can grow them in pots indoors in a very sunny window, such as a south-facing one. They will still need a support structure. Ensure the room is not too hot and has good air circulation.
Is the sandersonia plant poisonous?
Like many plants in its family, all parts of sandersonia are considered toxic if ingested. It’s wise to wear gloves when handling the tubers and to keep the plant away from pets and children who might chew on it.
Why are my sandersonia leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves at the end of the growing season is normal as the plant prepares for dormancy. If it happens during summer, it could be a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency.
How tall do sandersonia plants grow?
They typically reach between 24 to 36 inches in height (60-90 cm). With excellent care and in ideal conditions, they can sometimes grow a bit taller.
Adding sandersonia to your garden is a rewarding endevor. With its graceful orange lily-like blooms and elegant form, it brings a touch of sophisticated warmth to the summer garden. By following these simple steps for planting, care, and winter storage, you can enjoy these living lanterns for many seasons to come. Their beauty in the garden is matched only by their longevity in a vase, making them a truly versatile and special choice for any gardener looking for something a little different.