White Paintbrush Lily Alba Floss

An extraordinary flower that will stop you in your tracks. These head turning flowers are a striking arrangement of white and gold. The flowers emerge autumn to winter. The stems (20-30cm) are straight, coloured in a mixture of white and cream. Each flower is 3-7cm across. The petal reverse has a delicate green stripe. When the 'petals' or bracts open, the visual effect is like a wine goblet. This is a reason for one of their common names, the 'Cape Tulip'. The white petals, or bracts encase hundreds of stamen. Each white stamen has a golden pollen sack at its tip. Massed together the stamen resemble a soft brush which gives rise to another of their common names the 'White Paintbrush Lily' or 'Shaving Brush Plant'. A semi evergreen variety, with flat, thick, green foliage which stays close to the ground. The leaves are around 40cm long and emerge in pairs. The leaves are variable and will sometimes have cream spotting. The scientific name Haemanthus comes from the Greek haima for blood and athos for flower. At one time it was believed that consuming this plant would stop bleeding. Which lays the foundation for the common name 'Blood Lily'. Though it is poisonous and will only give you a stomach upset if you eat it. Grow these fascinating flowers in pots or in the garden. They like a bright light or dappled shade position in a well drained soil. If planted in pots they are happy to stay there until they are completely overcrowded. They are more than comfortable in a pot-bound state.

Supplied as: BARE ROOTED