Intense, flaming orange is not a frequently encountered colour among the smaller bulb species, but one glorious exception is the delightful Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus. Seen against the intense blue of summer skies or among a medley of patio containers, an established plant with multiple flowering stems is a joy to behold, and although it seldom exceeds 30 cm in height, it is certain to attract attention and comment.
Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus In Context
This little gem of a bulb belongs to a genus of around 60 species than in turn forms part of that huge family, the Amaryllids, which contains such diverse plants as the daffodils, snowdrops and hippeastrums, as well as the lovely bigeneric Amarine and the endangered South American Phaedranassa. All species of Cyrtanthus are South African in origin and while many are exceptionally beautiful and desirable as garden or greenhouse plants, some require very specific growing conditions and are notoriously difficult to cultivate.
One of the exceptions is Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus. This plant occurs naturally in moist grassland and along stream banks in the eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal. Unlike many of its relatives, it is evergreen, which is an asset in cultivation as it does not require such a strictly seasonal watering regime as do some other species.
The genus name Cyrtanthus derives from the Greek words kyrtos, meaning curved, and anthos, a flower, and refers to the curved perianth tube of many species. This is the part of the flower between the petals and the immature seed capsule, and in Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus this is a particularly prominent feature.
Each curved flowering stem produces an umbel of up to ten, elegantly arched, elongated blooms which all point in the same direction and are remarkably long lasting. These are complemented by dense tufts of narrow apple green foliage.
Cultivating Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus
Individual bulbs of this species are small and narrow, but they have the virtue of rapidly producing multiple offsets which can expand into a sizable clump with many flowering stems in a surprisingly short space of time.
Unlike some larger bulbs, however, its compact nature means that Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus can be contained within a moderately sized container for several years before it outpaces its confines. This habit makes it an ideal windowsill or patio plant as long as a few basic requirements can be met.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember about all Cyrtanthus species is that they are not frost hardy and must be given winter protection in cooler regions. Having said this, evergreen species such as Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus can easily be overwintered in a conservatory or indoors on a sunny windowsill. During the summer, it appreciates a lightly shaded area where it can enjoy the morning sun but receive protection from the harsh light later in the day.
Compost and Watering
Bulbs should be potted up in a mixture of equal parts of finely sifted compost containing plenty of organic matter, and fine horticultural grit or coarse sand. Plant the bulbs in individual pots so that the neck is barely exposed, and water regularly from Spring to Autumn, reducing the amount of water in Winter.
Some gardeners recommend withholding water for up to six weeks after the first flush of blooms has faded, in order to stimulate the development of more flowers. In practice, the plants may choose to behave as they see fit regardless of the treatment they receive, and will sometimes continue flowering well into the autumn and beyond.
Plants can be fed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every other week during the height of the growing season, reducing this to once a month in the winter.
Propagation
Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus produces offsets at such a rate that propagation by division is no problem whatsoever. Despite this propensity, it is better to leave a plant undisturbed for several years, so that it can multiply in peace and create an increasingly spectacular floral display. Eventually the bulbs become congested and may start to produce fewer blooms: they can then be separated carefully and potted up individually or in small groups.
You can also grow Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus from seed. The plants seem to be self-fertile and given a helping hand with a soft paintbrush, pollination can easily be effected. The oval seed capsules eventually split open to reveal flat, black seeds. These are best sown immediately as Cyrtanthus seeds have a relatively short viability, though they can be stored dry in the refrigerator for up to six months. Sow on the surface of the same compost used for adult plants and cover them with a little extra sifted compost.
Given temperatures of 18-20º C, fresh seed normally germinates in four weeks, but you will have to wait a few years before the seedlings reach flowering size. When they do, you will not only have the immense satisfaction of having grown a bulbous plant from seed to maturity, but you will have an even greater profusion of those delightful glowing sprays of flowers to brighten up the home and garden.
References
Pacific Bulb Society: Cyrtanthus brachyscyphus www.pacificbulbsociety.org
Plantzafrica: Cyrtanthus www.plantzafrica.com
Peter Ashby - Peter Ashby lives near Granada in southern Spain, is an expert on natural history, and a dedicated traveller, writer and hispanist.
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