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Crimson Bluebell

Flower type: Annual (Stores water in the thickened base of its stem)

This short flower grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Its brown stem is thin and straight, and the large, red leaves are thick with irregular edges. The leaves grow from the base and are the same length as the stem.

A single large flower sits at the end of the stem. The flowers are 1 cm (0.4 inches) wide, with petals that are slate in the center, crimson in the middle and bold blue at the edges. The flower head is largely flat with 46 raised round-tipped petals. They detach easily.

It has a weak scent that smells like coffee, and it has a fair amount of pollen. It is pollinated by a small species of bird, but is also particularly attractive to insects.

It is suitable for making baskets and the like
It has impressive regenerative properties.
It can survive a long time without water.