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Bessera

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
bes-SER-ah
Description

Bessera is a genus of Mexican plants in the cluster lily subfamily within the asparagus family. It is a small genus of 3 known species of mostly herbaceous flowering plants with corms (elegans, tenuiflora, and tuitensis). Thin leaves spread out on the ground and wiry stems produce fuchsia-like flowers. The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil but is frost tender and, in North Carolina, is best grown in a pot.

If being planted in pots, Bessera should be kept in a sheltered area until the risk of frost has passed. Water moderately and bring into full sun once growth has established. The plant needs good draining, light soil. When the leaves begin to dry, cut back on watering to prevent rot. If planting in the garden directly, plant no sooner than late March-early April in full sun to avoid frost. Plant 4 inches deep and 7-8 inches apart.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests; however, the plant does need protection from frost and a dry winter. It is frost tender and can be injured below 25 degrees F.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • B. elegans
B. elegans
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#red flowers#corms#frost tender#container plant#flowering bulb
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • B. elegans
B. elegans
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#red flowers#corms#frost tender#container plant#flowering bulb
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Bessera
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mexico
    Bulb Storage:
    Store corms dry or, if container-grown, dry the planting medium and store at 35-41 degrees F (2-5 degrees C)
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Each stem bears umbels of up to nine bright scarlet, fuchsia-type flowers. Inside creamy-white with scarlet veining and attractive long protruding anthers. Each flower lasts for weeks.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are few, thin and grassy, appearing during the summer before the flowers
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Poor Soil