aztec lily flower Learn about Sprekelia x homosissima 'Lowe Down' | Lowe Down Hybrid Aztec Lily

aztec lily flower Learn about Sprekelia x homosissima 'Lowe Down' | Lowe Down Hybrid Aztec LilySprekelia x homosissima 'Lowe Down' is a 2019 Plant Delights JLBG introduction of a Steve Lowe cross of two Mexican Aztec lily species, Sprekelia howardii x Sprekelia formosissima. For us Sprekelia 'Lowe Down' is the earliest sprekelia to flower, starting in late April. The 7" x 7" bright red flowers are composed of six, 1" wide petals atop an 8" stalk that emerges among the fleshy green leaves. In most years we get good re flowering through the

Sprekelia x homosissima 'Lowe Down' is a 2019 Plant Delights/JLBG introduction of a Steve Lowe cross of two Mexican Aztec lily species, Sprekelia howardii x Sprekelia formosissima. For us Sprekelia 'Lowe Down' is the earliest sprekelia to flower, starting in late April. The 7" x 7" bright red flowers are composed of six, 1" wide petals atop an 8" stalk that emerges among the fleshy green leaves. In most years we get good re-flowering through the spring, summer, and fall. Since it has taken us 12 years to build our stock from a single bulb, it will likely be years before we can offer this again.

Maintenance:

Where Sprekelia is winter-hardy, generally Zone 7b and warmer it is very low maintenance, needing little more than removing foliage killed by frost in the fall. Sprekelia can go for years without being divided and still bloom, though a greater rate of increase can be had by dividing every 3 to 5 years. The crowded bulbs once liberated will more rapidly grow to blooming size.

Sprekelia should be no more difficult than a Hippeastrum (commonly known as amaryllis.) to grow in a container and overwinter in a frost free location in areas where it is not winter-hardy. It can be kept dormant all winter in a cool frost-free location, withholding water until spring when it can go outside for the growing season.

Growing Conditions:

A full sun location is probably best in Zone 7, perhaps part day sun in hotter parts of its range. Average soil. Though very drought tolerant it will make use of available moisture so it does not need to be protected from wet at any point in the year other than avoiding a soggy soil.

Nomenclature:

Sprekelia's specific epithet "formosissima" indicates not only that it is beautiful but very beautiful.

Natural Impact:

Sprekelia's spectacular blooms will stop most people in their tracks. It's growth habit is much like Hippeastrum, Crinums and other members of the amaryllis family, forming a clump of strap shaped leaves with flowers borne on the top of a naked scape. It might be used as a single specimen or in masses.