Dichelostemma ida-maia x multiflorum Pink Diamond

Dichelostemma ida-maia 'Pink Diamond' is a rare bulbous plant that flowers in late spring. It spends its dormant period in dry, well-drained soil. It presents clusters composed of incurved, dark pink tubular flowers with white edges. The flowering is graceful and long-lasting. The elegant foliage emerges from the ground in winter and dries up right after flowering. When planted in loose and well-drained soil, the plant spreads out over time, forming a bush. Plant it in a raised bed or a rockery that is sunny for at least part of the day. The key to its growing success is perfectly well-drained soil that is quite dry in winter and after flowering.

Dichelostemma ida-maia 'Pink Diamond' is a horticultural hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding between D. ida-maia and D. multiflorum. Both of these botanical species belong to the Asparagaceae family. They are perennial herbaceous plants with bulbs, native to California and Oregon. It thrives naturally in a Mediterranean-like climate, with mild and humid winters and dry summers. Its growth is theoretically winter-based. It starts again in autumn in mild climates, but in spring everywhere else. Its foliage consists of 2 long green leaves that resemble those of certain grasses. It turns yellow at the time of flowering, which occurs in May or June-July, depending on the climate and region. Dichelostemma bulbs thrive in light and well-drained soil that is moist during the growth and flowering period, then drier until early autumn. They are usually planted in autumn, like crocuses and tulips. Although their resistance to cold is moderate (-7 to -8°C (19.4 to 17.6°F)), it is wise to protect them with a thick mulch in winter outside of mild regions. Bulbs can rot if the soil is too wet after flowering. Wet and frozen soil is also deadly for the bulbs.

Dichelostemma ida-maia 'Pink Diamond' will reach about 60cm (24in) in height when in flower. The flowering lasts 3 to 4 weeks in late spring or early summer. Slender, rush-like stems emerge from the bulb. They bear a dense umbel-shaped inflorescence. Each umbel is composed of several pendulous tubular flowers. Each dark pink flower, measuring 7 to 9cm (3 to 4in) long, is formed by a tube made up of 6 fused sepals, which flare and curve at their ends to reveal a pale-pink to white interior. A small corolla of cream-white petals emerges from this tube. The plant multiplies by forming bulb offsets.

Dichelostemma ida-maia 'Pink Diamond' can be grown in pots, which means it can be protected from extreme cold and excessive humidity, both in winter and summer. In the ground, it can be placed in a well-drained bed, behind low plants or dwarf bushes, or in a rock garden with a good pocket of potting soil. This extraordinary bulbous plant is ideal for bridging the gap between spring bulbs and summer flowers. It pairs well with perennial geraniums, alchemillas, catmints, stipa, and perennial flax. Thulbagias (cormous South African plants with pink or violet flowers), variegated alstroemerias, and ixias are also good companions.