Bessera is a genus of Mexican herbaceous perennial in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The genus name honors Austrian-born botanist Wilibald Swibert Joseph Gottlieb von Besser (1784–1842), who was active in Poland and Ukraine. Thin leaves spread out on the ground, and wiry stems produce fuchsia-like flowers. The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil but is frost tender and, in North Carolina, is best grown in a pot. If being planted in pots, Bessera should be kept in a sheltered area until the risk of frost has passed. Water moderately and bring into full sun once growth has established. The plant needs good drainage, light soil. When the leaves begin to dry, cut back on watering to prevent rot. If planting in the garden directly, plant no sooner than late March-early April in full sun to avoid frost. Plant 4 inches deep and 7-8 inches apart. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or insect pests; however, the plant does need protection from frost and a dry winter. It is frost tender and can be injured below 25 degrees F.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
Available space
Less than 12 inches
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
High
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Fine
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves are few, thin and grassy, appearing during the summer before the flowers
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Long-lasting; Showy
Flower form
Umbel
Flower shape
Funnel; Tubular
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Each stem bears umbels of up to nine bright scarlet, fuchsia-type flowers. Inside creamy-white with scarlet veining and attractive long protruding anthers. Each flower lasts for weeks.