Helonias bullata - Swamp Pink - 20 Seed Pack - Rare Exotic Perennial Bulb - New

Swamp Pink, Helonias bullata, is a rare perennial rhizomatous herb native to the eastern United States, the only known species in its genus. The root system is extensive in comparison to the apparent size of the plant on the surface. Blooming in September to November, its fragrant flowers are pink and occur in a cluster at the end a vertical spike which may reach up to 90cm in height. It has evergreen, lance-shaped, and parallel-veined leaves ranging from dark green to light yellow green in color that form a basal rosette.

Swamp Pink occurs in wetland habitats and it requires a habitat which is saturated, but not flooded, with water. Ideally the plant prefers an environment where the water table sits at about the level of the top of its root system, but not covering the basal rosette. Typical areas include swampy forested wetlands which border small streams; meadows, and spring seepage areas. It is often found near conifer trees.

A denizen of the New Jersey Pine Barrens and moist areas along the Eastern Seaboard where, in rich moist soil, its bizarre pink cones of small-packed, fragrant flowers, studded with blue anthers, create an unbelievable vista from September onwards, this lovely member of the lily family has dark evergreen, lance-shaped, and parallel-veined leaves that form a basal rosette, occurring usually in wetland habitats, which are saturated, but not flooded, with water. In the USA this rare rhizomatous plant is Federally listed as endangered and threatened, and it is rare and elusive in commerce.