Romulea bulbocodium
Family: Iridaceae
What it is like
Romulea bulbocodium is a CORM growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Sandy and rocky places near the sea, also in scrub to 1000 metres.
S. Europe - Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, to N. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Root. It is said to be eaten by shepherds, but no more details are given.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained very sandy soil in full sun. Easily grown in a bulb frame but plants are not very long-lived outdoors in Britain. Plants are fairly hardy, tolerating short periods of temperatures down to about -10°c, or perhaps a bit lower. Plants need to be kept dry in the summer when they are dormant. Very variable in flower colour and size. Individual flowers are short-lived, lasting about 3 days and only opening from midday to early evening. Flowers can be of 2 sizes, the smaller ones being pollen-sterile.
Propagating it: Seed - sow the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in late summer when the plants are dormant.
Best place to grow: East Wall. By. South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Corm
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist