Bessera elegans

RHS Plant Profile
coral drops

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A perennial with narrow, upright leaves to about 70cm tall. In late summer or autumn it produces a terminal cluster of dainty, scarlet and white flowers, on long, fine stems

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Bessera are perennials developing from corms, with narrow, linear leaves and brightly coloured, hanging flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. Water moderately in full growth and keep dry once the leaves die down. Outdoors, plant 6cm deep in well-drained soil in full sun in spring. Keep dormant corms dry in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown under glass, or by division of the rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free