Schizostylis/hesperantha
akennedy@cix.co.uk (Thu, 20 Feb 2003 03:16:00 PST)

Thanks, Mary Sue for your contribution.
As far as hardiness is concerned there are definite differences amongst
them. To generalise the white and very pale pink cultivars like Snow
Maiden and Hint of Pink are probably the weakest varieties and definitely
struggle to overwinter in the cold wind and rain. On the other hand some
of the deep red ones like Red Dragon, found originally in a mountain
cottage garden in Wales I believe, are tough as old boots, vigorous in
growth and sturdier than the norm in form. New ones are being found all
the time and I have only this week taken delivery of two as yet un-named
cultivars one of which is pure white with a strong vigourous growth
pattern up to 3 feet high!
As far as identification is concerned the two UK National Collection
Holders are agreed that recording Colour (using whenever possible the RHS
colour chart),Markings, Perianth segments in length and width, Hight and
number of flowers per spike are the best we can do. Sometimes ancillary
info may be relevant such as whether the cultivar is vigourous or weak or
needs much support in flower.
I guess the point on the DNA testing may be that, like homo sapiens , one
species with distinct individual Dna, so may cultivars also have distinct
Dna as they may exhibit infinitesmal differences in colour growth and
other characteristics but this is supposition on my part. I am assured it
is worth researching so await progress on my project with great interest!

I think the Schizostylis Mary Sue recalls is Mrs Hegarty rather than Miss!
If Mrs Hegarty has offspring I have no record of the birth registration!
I was very interested in the distribution in the USA and have also noted
that New Zealand, seems to be a happy home for them too. Wet feet and
warm heads seems to be the key which ties in with their original native
habitat in the banks of streams in the mountains of Southern Africa

Incidentally, I know that S.c. Rosalie is grown in the USA but the
nursery who offer it for sale don't export and don't respond to emails but
somebody must have it. It has been missing from Europe stockists for over
5 years at least and I would love to try and trace a source for it.
Tracking them down can be fascinating in itself. In one case a 92 year
old man, at the other end of the country, has the only known example
worldwide of S. c.Zeal Blush growing in a pot in his greenhouse. I am
very gently trying to persuade him to part with a small part of it for one
day it may be lost to us forever! Which is what NCCPG is all about and
where I came in.