During last winter I happened to look at our clump of Zantedeschia and saw that the rhizome was looking rather mushy. Fearing that I would lose it in the frost and snow, I covered it with horticultural fleece, cardboard and conifer clippings. Eventually when all danger of frost has passed and protection removed, up came one shoot, followed by another and another. It seemed that all I was going to have were lots of leaves this year, never mind , at least it was still alive. Suddenly, a week ago, up came this one flower spike, absolutely beautiful.
The next day it had uncurled slightly – just a hint of what was to come.
Next day, just a bit more – so chic, so understated !
By now it was fully uncurled and you could see absolute perfection in just one flower.
Whichever angle you look at it, it is so beautiful, so pristine, almost looks unreal.
Nature has made the most amazing flower. I know, in South Africa, Zantedeschias grow in roadside ditches, and I have seen thousands in a stream in the garden at Ninfa in Italy but I don’t think I have ever seen a more beautiful flower than this one which managed to survive our last dreadful winter.
In previous years, our clump has had at least 15 flower spikes and has never needed winter protection but hopefully, next year we will be back to full production once more.
Perfect, and most appreciated because it is the only one. I have dreamed of visiing the garden at Ninfa – was it as wonderful as you expected?
Debs, Ninfa was absolutely wonderful, even better than I had hoped for. We went in the summer when the walls of the ruins were cascading with roses and clematis, would love to go back in the spring when all the blossom is out.
Thank you for sharing this one beautiful bloom. There is something special about white as well as it being the only one. To Debs and you, about Ninfa, the early roses are really early, at least two weeks earlier than mine are here in Lazio. So if you are planning to come the time is the end of April or beginning of May. It is the most romantic garden I’ve ever seen. Christina
I would agree Christina, the flowers and history of Ninfa make it a truly romantic garden. Late April / May sounds a perfect time to visit.
PS from Christina again, how do I subscribe to your blog. you always have interesting posts and I know I miss some.
I think the link that you need is
http:// http://www.leadupthegardenpath.com/feed/ Hope this works !
I absolutely adore the way you’ve managed to capture the unfurling. This must have taken determination and dedication.
The Zantedeschia is quite close to the house, so see it each day from the window, just a question of popping out each day for its photo session. Glad you love it too, Catmint