Dichelostemma--TOW
Lauw de Jager (Tue, 27 May 2003 09:39:03 PDT)
Dear All,
This t o w coincides exactly xith the height of the flowering here.
D congestum and Ida Maia are relatively easy to grow and do best under
35% shade netting. D volubilis has been coming back for several years.
They are grown in wire baskets and tends to escape to great depth
(20-30cm 8-12") where they will survive for years. It is always
startling to see the flowering stem creep up to 2-2,5m (7ft) and I
always under estimate the height of its support.
I agree with Mary Sue that D multiflorus is to be highly recommended
because of its larger flattish umbel and long flowering period.
Kind regards Lauw
Mary Sue Ittner a *crit :
I have seen D. volubile in the wild, but not yet have gotten it to bloom. I
started some from seed in the fall of 1999 and would have expected it to
bloom by now. Maybe next year. Jane says it is found in seeps so maybe I
just need to plant it out in a low part of my garden since I certainly get
the rain where I live. It hasn't been nearly as vigorous as the others for
me. Besides D. ida-maia which is so striking, I think D. multiflorum is my
favorite. It is a really handsome plant and a good cut flower. Years ago I
planted D. congestum in a part of my garden where I had a patch of clay. I
just wanted to see if something that was normally found in clay would like
growing in clay. It bloomed the first year just fine, but the second year
the deer found it and it was slow dwindle from there and I haven't seen any
lately. I have enough offsets now to make some new trials in other parts of
my garden that are decomposed sandstone.
--
Lauw de Jager
BULB'ARGENCE, 30300 Fourques, France
Site: http://www.bulbargence.com/
Région: Provence/Camargue, Climat zone: 9a Mediterranean, dr y
July-August, peak rainfall in autumn, minimum temps -3-7°C (28-21F)
Reference vegetation: Arbutus unedo, Olea europeaea,