Lycoris & dormany
James Waddick (Mon, 04 Aug 2003 06:00:57 PDT)

Dear MArk;
You didn't mention what time of year you received and planted
the bulbs. Lycoris dormancy is brief in mid-summmer even though they
may have been leafless for weeks before and after. Also bulbs dug,
dried and rootless are even more stressed. Also what species. I have
had apparently healthy bulbs sit underground for up to 3 years -
possbly growing new rots and 'settling' before putting up healthy
foliage and flowers. L. chinensi ans L caldwellii both have done this.

Speaking of Lycoris;

Although we are experiencing a severe drought (officially
proclaimed along with a couple dozen neighboring counties in NW
Missouri. The July rain fall was the lowest on record with .1 inch
for the entire month.), I have noticed L. squamigera blooming around
town , probably where lawn sprinklers catch it. In my parched garden
I have a couple L. sanguinea in bloom and a few stalks popping out of
L. squamigera.
I was fairly certain that bloom was triggered by fall rain
after a hot dry, but maybe not. See what blooms and IF it EVER rains.
back to the frawing board.

Jim W.
--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
E-fax 419-781-8594

Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +