Bessera
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- bes-SER-ah
- Description
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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:
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- B. elegans
- B. elegans
- B. elegans
- Tags:
CC-BY-SA 2.0"
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CC-BY-SA 2.0"
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CC BY-SA 4.0"
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CC BY-SA 4.0"
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- B. elegans
- B. elegans
- B. elegans
- Tags:
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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)
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Fine
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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
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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.
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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
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Poor Soil