Updated 3 December 2011

Ordering information is on the home page at How to Order.

Dierama atrum - Iridaceae, E. South Africa. This is the species with the darkest flowers, maroon to purple-black, each a quarter inch long and half inch wide borne in large numbers on 4 to 5' stalks. Summer flowering. Sow at any season, water year round. 10 seeds per packet--$4.50

Talbotia(=Xerophyta) elegans Velloziaceae, E. South Africa. A tough, slow creeping herbaceous perennial to 12" in height with glossy, three-ranked leaves and inch across, white or pale pink, star-shaped flowers borne on wire-like 4-5" stems, native to the Drakensberg Mts. where they're found in forest shade on mossy rocks that dry during the winter. This plant possesses an amazing ability called "desiccation tolerance", allowing them to dry completely and revive within hours when water becomes available. Leaves fold closed along the midvein, and turn an attractive purple. Water thoroughly, and the plant is lush and green again the next day. Moderate to deep shade. Water and feed freely in summer. Sow shallowly under warm, moist conditions in a sandy, acid seedling mix. Water from below until the small seedlings anchor themselves firmly. Feed early and regularly. Can be grown outside, where it is pest free, or inside, where flowering is extended, but aphids attracted. Cold hardy to at least 16 degrees F. Approx. 20 seeds per packet--$4.50