Bessera elegans, commonly called Coral Drops, is a graceful bulbous perennial valued for its delicate pendant flowers and slender stems.

Clusters of scarlet flowers edged with white hang lightly from tall wiry stems, creating movement and colour in late summer and early autumn.

• Height: up to 70cm
• Spread: 20–30cm
• Flower colour: scarlet red with white tips
• Flowering time: late summer to early autumn
• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained soil

About Bessera elegans

Bessera elegans grows from small corms and produces clumps of narrow upright leaves.

From late summer, long slender stems emerge above the foliage carrying clusters of nodding bell-shaped flowers.

The flowers combine bright coral-red colouring with small white tips, giving the plant its common name Coral Drops.

The delicate stems allow the flowers to move gently in the breeze, adding light structure to borders.

Common name:

• Coral drops

Benefits for UK Wildlife

Bessera elegans contributes to wildlife-friendly planting.

• Flowers may attract pollinating insects
• Provides nectar during late summer
• Adds diversity to pollinator-friendly borders

Plant with other late-season flowering plants to support insects later in the year.

Where to Grow Coral Drops

• Sunny garden borders
• Patio containers
• Gravel gardens
• Cottage garden planting
• Sheltered beds

The slender stems look particularly effective when planted in small groups.

Planting Tips

• Plant corms in spring once frost risk has passed.
• Choose a warm, sunny position.
• Plant corms about 5–8cm deep.
• Space corms roughly 10–15cm apart.
• Use well-drained soil.
• Water during dry periods while plants establish.

In colder regions, corms can be lifted in autumn and stored in a frost-free place.

Why Grow Bessera elegans

• Delicate coral-red pendant flowers
• Light airy stems add movement
• Late summer to autumn colour
• Suitable for borders and containers
• Unusual plant for collectors

If you want a graceful late-season flowering bulb, Bessera elegans brings delicate colour and movement to sunny garden spaces.