Bulbs in a Box

This week my bulbs arrived.  Call me crazy but when I opened the box and saw all the little  bundles my heart quickened and I got such a rush.

 Bulbs in a box

I just love bulbs and can’t resist anything a bit unusual. Recently I discovered a grower who sells some pretty cool stuff and after much deliberating over the catalogue I ordered a stack of bulbs. 50 to be precise.  Yes there are 50 squashed into that box.  Obviously they’re small bulbs.

By the way I’m calling them all bulbs for simplicity’s sake. Some are actually corms, tubers or rhizomes but where’s the fun in getting bogged down in technical terms?  

This morning I’ve been happily potting them all up, complete with labels so I don’t forget what’s what, and can’t wait for them to start growing.  A few of them had quite interesting looking bulbs which I thought I’d share with you.

 Hypoxis hygrometrica

This is Hypoxis hygrometrica an Australian native which bears very pretty golden yellow flowers in Spring.  Okay so I haven’t seen the flowers in real life yet, just in books.  I purchased it solely on the fact that the pictures looked nice and it’s a native.  So many of the bulbs we grow are from elsewhere in the world and I’m excited to try out an Aussie native. It’s interesting to see how the bulbs produce swollen permanent roots which look like they’re a trick to help it survive through dry periods.

Oxalis triangularis

These bulbs belong to Oxalis triangularis which produces unusual dark burgundy/purple foliage.  I first saw this plant years ago when I was living in London and loved it straight away.  It had completely slipped my mind until I saw it in the bulb catalogue and knew I had to have it. I had assumed the triangularis part of it’s name referred to the leaf shape but after seeing the bulbs I can’t help but wonder if it is more about the triangular shape of the scales?

Commelina coelestis

And the final shot is of Commelina coelestis who’s bulbs are simply freaky looking! I have a strong suspicion that it probably won’t do well in my climate but given it’s exquisite blue flowers I had to at least try.  I’m sure you understand.

Potted Bulbs

I’ll keep you updated on how they perform and will naturally share some photos when they’re in flower.  If anyone wants the contact details of the grower send me a message and I’ll pass them on.

PS Don’t forget to check out The Plant Addict Shop while you’re here. 

You’ll find great gift ideas for garden lovers and fellow plant addicts!