James Waddick <jwaddick@kc.rr.com> wrote: >Excellent picture. I am curious about >how this species grows for you. The >shredded mulch suggests a woodland >soil. Is this in shade or sun? Drainage? The Gymnospermium is grown in a raised mound within our "foundation plantings" in front of the house. The planting area, located in full sun, is covered with pine bark mulch. I've planted small select shrubs and trees, but also lots of crocus, species tulips, and even some juno iris. When I plant bulbs that demand dryness and excellent drainage, I excavate a hole more than a foot deep and as wide, then fill it with course sand and a wee bit of compost mixed in. Thus they get very good drainage from the sand mix, and from being planted on raised mounds. Some Juno iris have done as well planted this way as those grown in larger, pure sand, raised beds. >Also the spread suggests underground >Did you start with multiple tubers? A generous friend sent me a tuber. The tuber, as I recall, was rather large and flattish (much wider than tall), sort of begonia-like. I see no evidence of increase yet. The growth shoots rise a small distance away from the central tuber. I know that I took photographs of the foliage first emerging, because they catch one's attention being so red and "filigreed" in appearance (leaf margins are tightly rolled). Can't find the pictures... vaguely remember deleting them because filigree red foliage on brown mulch did show up too well. It's a fascinating little plant. Mark McDonough Pepperell, Massachusetts, United States antennaria@aol.com "New England" USDA Zone 5 ============================================== >> web site under construction - http://www.plantbuzz.com/ << alliums, bulbs, penstemons, hardy hibiscus, western american alpines, iris, plants of all types!