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Christmas Bells Wikimedia Commons
Colchicaceae

Christmas Bells

Sandersonia aurantiaca

Celebration and joy.

Family
Colchicaceae
Genus
Sandersonia
Native to
South Africa
Bloom season
Summer
Type
tuberous perennial
Height
1.5-2.5 ft
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
well-drained, fertile
Water
moderate
Hardiness
9-11
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The genus contains only this single species, making it one of botany's monotypic genera.
  • Named after John Sanderson, secretary of the Horticultural Society of Natal, who discovered it in the 1850s.
  • The lantern-shaped flowers are a prized cut flower in Japan, where they are popular in New Year arrangements.
  • It blooms during the Southern Hemisphere summer around Christmas, hence its common name.
  • The tubers are fork-shaped, each producing two growing points, which means the plant naturally doubles each year.

Color meanings

0

celebration

1

joy

2

holiday cheer

Uses

  • cut flowers
  • ornamental
  • floral arrangements