Anomatheca are half hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to around -5C. They are best protected from frost and require mild to warm temperatures to come out of dormancy. It is advisable to start them off indoors or in a greenhouse in the spring.

— For best results, pot up and grow on in a greenhouse between March and April, they can then be transplanted outside in early summer. Alternatively, you can plant them directly outside in May.

— Plant the corms around 10-15cm deep in borders or pots.

— Space the bulbs around 10-15cm apart in borders, or closer together (5-8cm) in pots.

— Choose a position in full sun with free-draining soil.

— If planting in patio containers, use a free-draining compost such as multipurpose.

— Water-in after planting continue to water regularly when in growth.

— Allow the soil to become almost dry between watering. Don’t allow dormant bulbs to sit in wet, soggy and cold soil.

— Cut back flower stems to 3cm above ground level in autumn. Move containers with Anomatheca into a frost-free location for winter. Bulbs planted in borders should be covered with a mulch over winter in mild areas or lifted and stored in a cool but frost-free place until the following spring.