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Bessera elegans

Bessera elegans
Coral Drops, Elegant Bessera

4,4/5
3 reviews
1 reviews
1 reviews
0 reviews
0 reviews

4 bulbs completely rotten, the others not very viable as they were half dry and feeble.

eric, 26/03/2024

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

A bulb of Mexican origin, well adapted to heat but frost-sensitive, cultivated for its splendid flowering with an exotic appearance, in red and white striped bicolour stars. They are carried in loose clusters of 2 to 30 flowers, along a 40cm (16in) flowering stem emerging from linear basal foliage. It is cultivated in light, well-drained soil in a semi-shaded or shaded area. Dig up the bulbs in autumn to replant them in spring.
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
15 cm
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -4°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to May
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Flowering time August to September
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Description

Bessera elegans, sometimes called the Coral Drop or Mexican Coral, is a marvel of delicacy and brilliance that comes to us from southern Mexico. This perennial plant with a corm blooms in the second half of summer, in the form of floral stems carrying numerous bell-shaped or Chinese hat-shaped flowers, a bright coral red with white stripes on the inside. It is cultivated in open ground all year round, in shade or semi-shade, in our warm regions that are spared from frost, in a very well-drained soil. Grow it like a gladiolus or adopt it in a large pot on the terrace, to be stored dry in winter: the effect is guaranteed!

 

The Besseria genus, related to Triteleia and Brodiae, includes one or two bulbous Mexican species belonging to the lily family. Only Bessera elegans is commonly cultivated for its ornamental qualities. This species is native to southwestern Mexico, where it grows in the undergrowth up to 1500m (4921ft) altitude. In nature, it is a very variable plant in colour and size that is adapted to a very contrasting climate, with dry winters and rainy and hot summers. The selection we offer generally reaches 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) in height when flowering, although it can sometimes, depending on the growing conditions, reach up to 70cm (28in). This perennial herbaceous plant has a small corm (storage organ), 5 to 6cm (2in) in circumference. The foliage emerges more or less early in spring, encouraged by the heat. At that time, it is frosted with a purple iridescence. It then develops into long and very narrow basal leaves, dark green in colour. The floral stems often emerge at the same time as the leaves, but only take off in summer. If the vegetation has started early enough, the flowers will bloom in late July or early August. Each floral stem carries up to 30 flowers, 5cm (2in) in diameter, directed downwards, grouped in umbels at the top. They may resemble small umbrellas and are composed of 6 lanceolate petals surrounding a white perianth enclosing prominent bright red stamens. As soon as the foliage fades, the plant goes into dormancy. It is essential that this period of dormancy takes place in a dry environment and is spared from frost.

 

Bessera elegans is a somewhat capricious plant but of great beauty, relatively easy to cultivate if one manages to provide it with growing conditions similar to those it experiences in nature. While it does not have any specific soil pH requirements, it does require the soil to be light and well-drained. Growing it in pots allows it to spend the bad season dry and sheltered from heavy frosts that are fatal to it, but also to admire its summer flowering up close and from below, which is of uncommon delicacy and elegance. On the terrace, it will thrive in semi-shade alongside Asian lilies, a Fuchsia regia, ornamental ginger, or even a Billbergia nutans.

 

Bessera elegans in pictures

Bessera elegans (Flowering) Flowering

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 15 cm
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time August to September
Inflorescence Cyme
Flower size 5 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Bessera

Species

elegans

Family

Liliaceae

Other common names

Coral Drops, Elegant Bessera

Origin

Central America

Product reference830491

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Planting and care

Bessera elegans will appreciate being grown in a pot, in a light soil composed of compost, light soil, and coarse sand, with a layer of gravel or clay pellets at the bottom of the pot for drainage. Vegetation can be started earlier, indoors, and the plant can be moved outside in May or June (depending on the region) to avoid temperature shock. Flowering can then occur as early as the end of July. It should be placed in partial shade, or even in full shade, and watered regularly during the growing period, without excess. As soon as the leaves dry out, the pot should be kept dry and frost-free during the winter dormancy period.

In our frost-free regions Bessera elegans can perfectly survive in the ground all year round, in a slightly sunny border.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to May
Planting depth 10 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Container, Greenhouse, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -4°C (USDA zone 9b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 35 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Rich, fertile, and well-drained.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Needs to be stored
4,4/5
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