Re: Haemanthus albiflos

Nan,

I have never grown any of the Haemanthus species
myself, but have several friends in the area who do
grow it.  The problem with growing it in the ground in
northern California is that it doesn't like our winter
rains, and can rot out.  It is also very prone to
being eaten up by snails and slugs, so pot culture is
probably safest.  I always seem to have problems with
the winter dormant south african bulbs, success seems
to elude me with Cyrtanthus species and other
amaryllis family members, although I do just fine with
Crinum powelli.  C. bulbispermum always got too eaten
up by snails for me, so I gave up trying to grow it.

M. Nevin Smith of Suncrest Nursery recommends growing
H. albaflos in a large pot in light shade, rich soil,
moderate watering while in growth, and very little in
winter.  

I also find his catalogue a goldmine of information on
cultivation of all the plants he sells, if you don't
have a copy, it is worth getting one.  It is titled, A
Guide to Ornamental Plants for Coastal California with
Cultural Notes.  I have the 1999 edition at home, not
sure if there was a new one published this year...  


- Nan Sterman <nsterman@mindsovermatter.com> wrote:
> I have always admired the photo of Haemanthus
> albiflos in Heidi 
> Gildemeister's book and today I was lucky enough to
> buy one!  It's a 
> tiny little thing in a 2" pot.  I looked it up on
> the internet, and 
> all I see is information on pot culture.  Can I
> plant this jewel in 
> the ground?  Anyone got any advice?
> 
> Nan
> -- 
> **********
> '''''''''''''''''''''''
> Nan Sterman
> San Diego County California
> Sunset zone 24, USDA hardiness zone 10b or 11
> 


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