Sprekelia formosissima

Sprekelia formosissima, also known as the Saint James Lily, is a bulbous plant related to Amaryllis that produces a large solitary blood-red flower whose refined elegance is reminiscent of certain orchids. It is the cross-like arrangement of the flower's tepals, evoking the cross of the Knights of Saint James, that has earned this plant its name of "Saint James Lily". 

Sprekelia formosissima is a plant from the Amaryllidaceae family originally from mountainous areas of Mexico and Guatemala. In these regions, winter is dry and frosts are not uncommon, while spring and summer are hot and fairly rainy. Under our climates, the Saint James Lily can only be grown in open ground where temperatures do not drop below -6°C and provided that the soil is perfectly well-drained and protected from excessive humidity. Growing in pots allows the plant to be sheltered and kept dry in winter (which is necessary for floral induction), and to be taken outside from May to the end of September.

In May-June, each Sprekelia bulb produces a single hollow green stem washed with red, 50cm (20in) tall, bearing a solitary flower with a diameter of 10cm (4in). This uniquely-shaped flower is composed of 6 tepals: three broad sepals pointing downwards and three slightly curled, narrower petals standing upright. The flower is short-lived, lasting only a few days. After flowering, the foliage emerges from the ground. It consists of ribbon-like leaves, measuring about 40cm (16in) in length, glossy, and bright green, arranged in a rosette. The foliage turns yellow and dries up in early autumn, while the bulb enters a dormant period. During this time of year, the soil should remain rather dry, even very dry.

Sprekelia formosissima thrives in light, well-drained, rich, non-calcareous soil that remains moist throughout the flowering and growing season, in a very sunny location. It is easier to cultivate in a pot using a mixture of potting soil, sand, and garden soil in equal parts, with a special bulb fertilizer and appropriate watering. For a spectacular effect, group about ten bulbs in a large planter.