Growing schizostylis for late summer colour

Schizostylis needs a sheltered, sunny site and is happier in milder, parts of Britain. In areas with a low risk of frost, schizostylis will bloom until late-December, providing a pretty display for the Christmas table. In colder situations it will flower prolifically until the first frosts, then bloom intermittently in warmer spells until the end of the year.

Dig in plenty of organic matter before planting the bulbs and water them well during the summer. In colder areas protect the rhizomes from frost from January onwards with cloches, horticultural fleece or a thick mulch of straw or compost.

Lift and divide schizostylis rhizomes from mid- to late-spring every two to three years. Each clump should have about six leaf shoots and should be replanted about 20-30cm apart and 5cm deep in well-prepared soil.

Alternatively, harvest the seeds and store them over winter in cool conditions, then sow them in spring in moist, gritty compost. They take up to three months to germinate at about 15°C and should be left for a few years before transplanting and growing on.