rubra (crassipes)—Not bulbous but with thickened roots. Pink flowers in clusters above the leaves.
variabilis rubra—Dense mats of fresh green leaves under deep-pink flowers, some two inches across. Hardy as rubra.
CARE. Average soil. Dig and store bulbs of some species.
PROPAGATION. Division of roots, bulbs.
SPECIAL USES. House plants, rock planting, containers.
Sternbergia lutea Amaryllidaceae Winter Daffodil
Popularly called a daffodil and compared to a crocus, but these small amaryllids beat both of those plants for durability and distinction. They have up-facing butter-yellow flowers like squat, flaring, two-inch vases. They bloom in mid-September with the flowers lasting some weeks. The narrow leathery leaves often last through the winter but die back by spring. Fragrant.
CARE. Heavy soil, barely acid. Dry, drainage. Sun.
PROPAGATION. Bulbs.
SPECIAL USES. Forcing, rock gardens.