Acis nicaeensis syn (Leucojum nicaeense)
A charming and seldom-seen Mediterranean bulb, Acis nicaeensis is native to the Maritime Alps of southeastern France and northwestern Italy, often found on rocky limestone outcrops and open, sunlit hillsides. It is a miniature delight for the rock garden or alpine trough, blooming in early to mid-spring with graceful, nodding white flowers, each carried singly on fine, wiry stems just a few inches high. The flowers have a delicate texture and elegance, with a slightly flared bell shape and sometimes a faint pinkish tint in bud.
Foliage is fine and grass-like, appearing in winter or early spring and going dormant by summer, as is typical for bulbs from Mediterranean climates. This species thrives in sharply drained soil with full sun to light shade, especially if planted where summer baking will keep the bulbs dry during dormancy. In rock gardens, crevice plantings, troughs, or raised beds, it benefits from a gritty, lime-rich substrate.
Hardy to USDA Zone 7, possibly colder with excellent drainage and a sheltered position. It has been long lived here at illahe with some winter wet protection of the unheated greenhouse, it has seen temps as low as 9 degrees F. In colder climates, or where winter wet is an issue, it performs admirably under cold frames or in an alpine house. A subtle gem for collectors and those who appreciate refined early spring bloomers.
A charming and seldom-seen Mediterranean bulb, Acis nicaeensis is native to the Maritime Alps of southeastern France and northwestern Italy, often found on rocky limestone outcrops and open, sunlit hillsides. It is a miniature delight for the rock garden or alpine trough, blooming in early to mid-spring with graceful, nodding white flowers, each carried singly on fine, wiry stems just a few inches high. The flowers have a delicate texture and elegance, with a slightly flared bell shape and sometimes a faint pinkish tint in bud.
Foliage is fine and grass-like, appearing in winter or early spring and going dormant by summer, as is typical for bulbs from Mediterranean climates. This species thrives in sharply drained soil with full sun to light shade, especially if planted where summer baking will keep the bulbs dry during dormancy. In rock gardens, crevice plantings, troughs, or raised beds, it benefits from a gritty, lime-rich substrate.
Hardy to USDA Zone 7, possibly colder with excellent drainage and a sheltered position. It has been long lived here at illahe with some winter wet protection of the unheated greenhouse, it has seen temps as low as 9 degrees F. In colder climates, or where winter wet is an issue, it performs admirably under cold frames or in an alpine house. A subtle gem for collectors and those who appreciate refined early spring bloomers.