Coral drops Bessera elegans
ABOUT
B. elegans is a perennial with narrow, upright leaves to about 70cm tall. In late summer or autumn it produces a terminal cluster of dainty, scarlet and white flowers, on long, fine stems
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Coral Drops, Coral Bells
Common names
Behria tenuiflora, Brodiaea tenuiflora, Milla elegans.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Bessera elegans, commonly known as Coral Drops, produces striking, bell-shaped flowers that add vibrant color and visual interest to gardens.
- Drought tolerance: This plant is well adapted to arid conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Attracts pollinators: The bright flowers of the Coral Drops attract bees and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Low maintenance: Once established, Bessera elegans is easy to care for, requiring minimal attention beyond basic watering and occasional feeding.
- Container gardening: It is suitable for pots and containers, making it a versatile choice for balconies, patios, or limited space gardening.
- Long blooming period: Coral Drops typically has a long flowering season, which can extend from summer into fall, offering extended ornamental value.
- Bulb propagation: The plant can be propagated from bulbs, allowing gardeners to easily increase their stock or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bessera elegans, also known as Coral Drops, can be used as a natural dye source. The vibrant colors of the petals are sometimes used to create dyes for fabrics.
- The plant is sometimes used in traditional ceremonies or floral displays for its unique shape and color.
- In crafts, the dried flowers of Coral Drops can be used in potpourri mixes due to their shape and ability to retain color.
- The sturdy stems of the Bessera elegans can be used in basket weaving to add color highlights to the finished product.
- Botanical illustration artists often use the intricate details of the Coral Drops as subject matter for drawings and watercolor paintings.
- Gardeners might use the bulbs of Bessera elegans as a natural pest deterrent, believing the scent to be unappealing to certain pests.
- Photographers may use the aesthetic flowers as a striking focal point in nature and macro photography.
- Teachers and educators might use the plant in botany classes to demonstrate the variety of bulb structures and plant growth patterns.
- In celebrations, the flowers are used for creating festive garlands or decorations, especially in events that utilize a Mexican theme, as the plant is native to Mexico.
- Coral Drops bulbs can be used as a barter item among hobbyist gardeners who trade plants or seeds to diversify their collections.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Coral Drops is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Coral Drops is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Delicacy and Grace: Bessera elegans, commonly known as Coral Drops, has a delicate and graceful appearance, symbolizing finesse and beauty in the plant world.
- Rarity and Uniqueness: Coral Drops are not as common as other garden plants, which can make them a symbol of rarity and uniqueness, representing something special or hard to find.
- Vibrancy and Energy: The bright, vivid colors of Coral Drops can symbolize vibrancy and energy, reflecting a lively spirit and enthusiasm.
- Celebration: The festive look of the flowers, with their drooping clusters, can symbolize celebration and joy, making them a fitting choice for festive occasions.
- Elegance: With 'elegans' in its botanical name, it is clear that this plant stands for elegance, often used to enhance aesthetic beauty in gardens and bouquets.
WaterThe Coral Drops should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This typically means watering once a week, depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment, with approximately 16-24 ounces of water. During its dormant period in the winter, watering should be reduced to every other week or less, depending on the soil moisture. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure proper drainage in the pot.
LightCoral Drops thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a south-facing window that receives plenty of light but is shaded from the direct harsh rays of the sun during the peak hours of the day is ideal. Avoid placing it in full shade, as this will hinder its growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureCoral Drops prefer temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside their ideal range can stress the plant. They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold drafts.
PruningPruning of Coral Drops is not typically required for health but can be done to remove spent flower stalks and encourage new growth. After flowering, cut back the flower stalks to the base. If any leaves yellow or become damaged, they can also be trimmed away. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering has ceased.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral Drops prefer a well-draining soil mix composed of equal parts loam, sand, and peat, which ensures good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for Coral Drops (Bessera elegans) is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCoral Drops (Bessera elegans) should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their pot. It's best to repot them in the spring, at the start of their active growing season.
Humidity & MistingCoral Drops (Bessera elegans) thrive in moderate humidity levels; it is best to maintain around 40-50% relative humidity for optimal growth conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity for indoor Coral Drops.
Outdoor
Coral Drops need full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil in outdoor settings.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleBessera elegans, also known as Coral drops, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is planted in well-drained soil in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. The bulb sends up narrow, strap-like leaves and a flower stalk as temperatures warm, with delicate bell-shaped flowers appearing in summer. After the flowering stage, the plant focuses on energy storage and sets seeds that can be dispersed to grow new plants. In autumn, the foliage begins to die back as the plant enters dormancy, conserving energy within the bulb for the next growing season. Bessera elegans bulbs require a dry, cool winter period to successfully enter dormancy and rejuvenate for the following spring. When conditions are favorable in the following spring, the cycle begins anew with leaf and stalk growth, followed by flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Bessera elegans, commonly known as Coral Drops, is primarily propagated through division of the corms. The best time to divide and propagate Bessera elegans is in the spring, just as the plant begins to emerge from dormancy. The process involves unearthing the parent corms and gently separating the smaller corms that have formed at the base of the mother plant. Each separated corm should have at least one growing point, and after ensuring that the corms are dry and free of rot, they can be replanted. They should be placed in well-draining soil with the top of the corm just below the soil surface, at a depth of about 2 inches (which is roughly 5 centimeters), and spaced approximately 4 inches apart (about 10 centimeters). Adequate sunlight and occasional watering will encourage growth and the development of new Coral Drops plants from these corms.
