These beautiful lilies are my first signs that fall is on its way. I received these bulbs from my mother, her from her mother and so on. They originated in Argentina and were introduced to Texas by German settlers. They bring a smile on my face every year to remember my mother and grandmother, Selma Tiemann Sander. She loved her German cottage gardening.
These Oxblood or Schoolhouse Lilies, whichever you prefer, start blooming in early September and their foliage remains green all winter. They are tough Texas plants that will grow almost anywhere. The flowers hold up best when planted in partial shade to full sun.
They are hardy plants that make a bright explosion of color in gardens across Central Texas. These bulbs are historic and almost impossible to buy. I encourage you to Google the names of these flowers to find companies who sell these rare bulbs, OR if you know a relative or friend that have these flowers ask them if they would share some bulbs with you. (You might want to share or do something kind in return.)
The height of the blossoms range from 8 to 16 inches, after flowering bright green foliage appears. The size of the bulb compares to a shallot and should be planted at a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Each year they multiply and your explosion of color becomes brighter.
I guess you could say I’m a lot like my mother and grandmother, in that I love the German cottage gardening, meaning that you combine a variety of flowers, herbs and plants together. By the way the bees and butterflies love this type of gardening.
I hope you enjoyed my post today. I’m still on the learning process of this website, so bare with me. I look forward to sharing with you about the second fall flower that brings a smile to my face. Until then….God Bless!
September 23, 2015 at 4:18 am
Your flowers are beautiful!