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[2nd Image]
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| Category: Bulb/Tuber/Rhizome etc. |
| Family: Hyacinthaceae (~Amaryllidaceae) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Synonyms: [Scilla schlechteri, Ledebouria petiolata] |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: <1 foot |
| Exposure: Light Shade/Part Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Drimiopsis maculata (Little White Soldiers) - Deciduous bulb from South Africa that is related to Ornithogalum with flat somewhat fleshy oblong-ovate leaves that have darker translucent spots. The flower stalk rises 6 to 12 inches above the foliage bearing a tight cluster of small bright white flower buds that open and turn to a pale green. Plant in light shade, in a well-draining soil and irrigate moderately. Will multiply in the garden to form clumps that should be divided every few years. Although not hardy to hard frosts this plant can be grown in cooler climates because it is winter deciduous. It is often recommended to USDA zones 8-10 but we have been told by Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery that it has withstood 6° F for him and should be considered good to Zone 7b. An attractive plant in the garden when used in mass or in pockets within a rock garden and also makes a charming container plant. The name Drimiopis means looking like plants in the genus Drimia, a related plant in the Hyacinthaceae that gets its name from the Greek word for acrid in reference to the roots causing an inflammation of the skin. In a recent treatment of this genus by J. Manning, P. Goldblatt & M.F. Fay in " Revised Generic Synopsis of Hyacinthaceae in Sub-Saharan Africa" in the Edinburgh Journal of Botany 60(3): 533-568 (2004) the authors propose that the genus Drimia be sunk into Ledebouria.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We also try to incorporate comments received from others and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Drimiopsis maculata.
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