Easy, Waterwise Summer Blooming Bulbs

Iris relative, Neomarica caerulea blooms appear in summer in waterwise gardens

There aren’t many waterwise summer blooming bulbs for Southern California’s hot and dry climate.  Most waterwise bulbs bloom in spring here, then go dormant.  But there are a few that bloom in summer with a very little irrigation, and an extraordinary few that bloom with no irrigation at all. These are the ones at the top of my list.

Walking iris,Neomarica caeruleais an evergreen member of the iris family that grows four or five-foot tall fans of upright green leaves, topped in summer by taller stalks of spectacular flowers. Like other iris, the flowers have three petals that hang down – known as “falls,” and three upright petals called “standards.” The species name “caerulea” comes from the incredible violet blue color that infuses the petals. Add gold and brown ripples on a white background towards the base of each fall and covering the standards for a most magnificent bloom.

Each fan makes one flower stalk to start with, topped in multiple buds that open in sequence for just one day each. As the fan matures, it produces more flower stalks, and more fans so eventually, one Neomarica plant commands a big summertime presence.

Fused petals that taper to long projections make these blooms look spidery

Rather than form seedpods, flowers make new plantlets that can be separated from the mother stalk and rooted into a pot once they begin to show some root – hence the common name “walking” iris.

Very dry growing in coastal gardens and in inland gardens with cooler sun or light shade and well draining soil. Good under the dappled light of a tree canopy.

Spider lily, Hymenocallis (also sold asIsmene)are lily relatives native from the southern US down into central and South America. The petals of their large white flowers are fused at the base, then taper to long, narrow pointed “legs” that sometimes curl. The net result looks like a giant white spider amidst long, strappy, bright green leaves

Sea squill flower stalks can ultimately reach six feet tall

Spider lilies form flower stalks that are three feet tall, so they hold their own in a garden bed. They are spectacular in containers (my favorite). Grow in morning sun or daylong light shade, especially inland.

Sea Squill, Urginea maritima also calledDrimia maritima,is a Mediterranean bulb that can reach the size of a basketball! Most of the year, sea squill is a pretty cluster of broad, wavy green leaves. In July, the leaves turn yellow and die back. Within a few weeks, a chocolaty brown flowering stalk arises from where the leaves had been.

The older the bulb, the talker the flower stalk, up to six feet tall and topped in a long poker head of tiny white flowers. The flowers open in sequence that starts at the bottom. Each flower opens to reveal a bright yellow center. By fall, the flowers are gone and new leaves poke up out of the ground.

In the baking sun and heat of Murrieta, California, this bulb is grown without irrigation, so it is right at home in a waterwise garden. Cite in full, hot, sun, planted so the bulbs’ “shoulders” are a few inches above the soil. Alternatively plant into a large pot, in very well draining potting soil. Plant high – bury the roots and lower third of the bulb, but leave the rest visible. The bulb itself is poisonous so take precautions with children and pets.

Naked lady, Amaryllis belladonna, like sea squill, blooms on tall stems after the bright green leaves have faded in summer’s heat.

Naked lady flowers appear in late summer, after the leaves have died back. Their afternoon fragrance is heavenly.

Their huge, pink trumpet shaped blooms release a sweet fragrance in the late afternoon. These South African bulbs multiply over time so a planting of three bulbs is soon a planting of nine bulbs, then 15 and so on; perfect to share with friends and relatives. Plant in full sun, with no irrigation, and set bulbs so their “shoulders” are above ground.

— Nan Sterman