aztec lily flower Sprekelia formosissima Mobile Queen

aztec lily flower Sprekelia formosissima Mobile QueenSprekelia 'Mobile Queen' is a 2022 Plant Delights JLBG introduction of an amazingly floriferous form of Aztec lily, we picked up from Mobile, Alabama nurseryman Maarten Van der Giessen in 2011. We knew it looked different, but at the time, didn't know quite why. The narrow green foliage is a foil to the bright, scarlet red flowers, starting for us in mid May. Each of the five narrow petals are highlighted by a central white streak toward the base,

Sprekelia 'Mobile Queen' is a 2022 Plant Delights/JLBG introduction of an amazingly floriferous form of Aztec lily, we picked up from Mobile, Alabama nurseryman Maarten Van der Giessen in 2011. We knew it looked different, but at the time, didn't know quite why. The narrow green foliage is a foil to the bright, scarlet red flowers, starting for us in mid-May. Each of the five narrow petals are highlighted by a central white streak toward the base, which is much more dramatic than in typical Sprekelia formosissima. Additionally, the solitary 7" wide flowers (tip to tip), held atop 15" stalks, aren't hidden below the foliage as is the case with typical Sprekelia formosissima.

Maintenance:

Where Sprekelia is winter-hardy, generally Zone 7b and warmer, it is very low maintenance, needing little more than removing foliage killed by frost in the fall. It can go for years without being divided and still bloom, though a greater rate of increase can be had by dividing every 3 to 5 years. The crowded bulbs, once liberated, will more rapidly grow to blooming size.

Sprekelia should be no more difficult than a Hippeastrum (commonly known as amaryllis) to grow in a container, overwintering in a frost free location in areas where it is not winter-hardy. It can be kept dormant all winter in a cool frost-free location, withholding water until spring when it can go outside for the growing season.

Growing Conditions:

A full sun location is probably best in Zone 7, perhaps part day sun in hotter parts of its range. Average soil is fine. Though very drought tolerant it will make use of available moisture so it does not need to be protected from wet at any point in the year other than avoiding a soggy soil.

Nomenclature:

Sprekelia's specific epithet "formosissima" indicates not only that it is beautiful but very beautiful.

Natural Impact:

Sprekelia's spectacular blooms will stop most people in their tracks. It's growth habit is much like Hippeastrum, Crinums and other members of the amaryllis family, forming a clump of strap shaped leaves with flowers borne on the top of a naked scape. It might be used as a single specimen or in masses.

Watch our Plant Spotlight video for more information.