Eucrosia bicolor

Eucrosia bicolor is a tropical South American bulbous plant related to amaryllis. It is not hardy, but is relatively easy to grow in a pot if its natural rhythm is respected. It needs winter dormancy in fairly dry soil, and water during the growth and flowering period. Its foliage emerges from the ground in the middle of spring, at the same time as the floral stem rises. At its tip, it bears several unique and graceful flowers in a beautiful orange colour with long yellow stamens. The vegetation dries up after flowering. This species multiplies rapidly, forming beautiful clumps of leaves.

Eucrosia bicolor belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to Peru and Ecuador. Its natural habitat consists of slopes that dry out seasonally. The plant has a bulb that can reach a diameter of 4.5cm (2in). The abundant and decorative foliage is composed of ovate leaves measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) long and wide, with a glaucous green colour. Flowering occurs in late spring and summer. It takes the form of a fairly thin, vertical floral stem measuring about 50cm (20in) in height, bearing an umbel of 4 to 6 flowers. Each flower, 5cm (2in) long, is composed of 5 pale orange-red petals, from which emerge long, pendulous stamens that are pale-yellow in colour, sometimes tinged with red.

Eucrosia bicolor is a beautiful exotic plant that will mostly need to be grown in pots, as it is sensitive to cold. This bulbous plant is ideal for collectors and patient gardeners!