Bellevalia Longistyla

Bellevalia longistyla is a hardy bulb from eastern Turkey, the Caucasus and western Iran, where it grows in mountain steppe and open rocky ground. Broad leaves surround a sturdy spring stem bearing a dense raceme of tubular flowers, usually opening in muted blue, violet or brownish tones and fading paler with age. The elongated style, reflected in the species name, projects from the small bells and gives close-up botanical interest. Easy in a sunny, well-drained bed, it grows most strongly in humus-rich soil but flowers best when the bulbs receive heat and dryness during summer dormancy.