Question: “Hi Michael, I went to a family reunion in the country and old church. Well the dark pink crinum lily was blooming and some had set seed. I took the seeds home and some had sprouted a root. I want to know how to plant and will a bulb develop? Thanks, Joan” Answer: Hello, […]

Question: “Last Spring I purchased rwo “Naked Lady” lily bulbs and planted them according to instructions. They never came up…. – Robert” Reply: Robert, Thanks for writing in. Once planted, the Naked Lady Lily will establish a root system before showing foliage for the months of February through March. The lily usually requires one year […]

Question: “I had written Linda… about an iris…and she was able to find this lovely light purple iris as well, one which I know was in my grandmother’s and mother’s garden. I have everything in pots, so any help you can offer about container gardening iris would be more than welcome. But having these will comfort […]

Question: “Hello Michael, Could you tell me when the best time would be to plant my iris bulbs here in Oklahoma City. We have been scorching here… Today was 106. I know the horticulture advice for bearded iris is from August through September but with this record breaking heat everyday  who knows if August or […]

Question: “Is it ok to plant crinums in only sand and let the roots grow into a second medium to help them from being water logged during winter?” -Michael J. Response: Hello, Michael. Thanks for writing in. Yes, it is OK to plant crinums in only sand and let the roots grow into a second […]

Question: “Hi there! I thought you might enjoy seeing my great-grandmother’s Regina Crinum beds. We separated some a few years ago and replanted new beds and they are now overflowing. Planning to share some with siblings and cousins when the time is right later this year. Any advice on how to prepare a bulb for […]

Question: “I purchased a number of the bulbs Chris brought with him when he spoke to our Knoxville Garden Club in May. . . . Please tell me how deep those should be planted. Those are HUGE bulbs . . . . I only wish I’d purchased more!” -Mary Reply: Hello, Mary. Thanks for writing […]

Question: “Will the red spider lillies trive in Silver Spring MD – zone 6. i have found varying information on what ranges it can live in which have include both 6 and 7 on up to 10.” -Scott in Maryland Answer: Hello, Scott. Thanks for your red spider lily order and for writing in. The […]

Question: “How long does a Crinum blossom last? Mine Opened yesterday and are very wilted today. Will it bloom again?” – Carolyn in East Texas Answer: Hello, Carolyn. Thanks for writing in. An established crinum blossom usually lasts about a week in ideal climate conditions. A crinum is “established” once it has bloomed 2-3 years

Question: “Could you tell me if a gladioli can also be called a ‘Species Amaryllis, hypeastrum’? Thanks, Liz” Answer from the “Bulb Hunter”: Hi, Liz. Sorry for our delay. I have been traveling quite a bit this summer. It is unlikely that they would be called the same thing. A species amaryllis (Hippeastrum sp.)