Mexican Shell Flower

Before leaving on holiday in the Western NY wine country, I thought that I 
would mention a new arrival in my garden.  

This spring I planted bulbs of the Mexican Shell Flower - Tigridia ferraria. 
I knew nothing about them except that they are Iridaceae.  They began 
flowering about four weeks ago and about 20 bulbs produce 3-4 two and a half 
inch flowers each day.  The colours are beautiful muted shades of orange, 
yellows, and reds, some plain, some bicoloured, and some with brown spots.  
The flowers last one day but are a real show for that day.  My grandchilden 
like to watch the petals open when the sun hits them in the morning. This is 
quite exciting as they unfold in a very short time - to keep a child's 
interest that means in less than 2 minutes!

As these flowers appear after most of the irises, that are our prime 
interest, they are a welcome addition to my garden and I would recommend 
them to others who have not tried them.  My source was the local garden 
supplier.

Ian E. Efford
Ottawa
avocet@worldlink.ca
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