Dear all; I recently pondered the effect of drought on Lycoris bloom initiation. After 2 1/2 months of near total drought, a patch of 25 L. chinensis produced a single short flower stalk. Last weekend we had 7 inches of rain over two days and it soaked in very nicely. Within 24 hours and almost visibly this same patch of bulbs is producing 40 flowering stalks some even blooming as they emerged (very odd) and some reaching nearly full size. I can't recall stalks emerging with such such synchrony and speed. It has taken a few more days, but the traditionally later to bloom L. caldwellii have now started to pop. They look like they will be normal in regard to numbers and height, but the still closed buds appear to have a slight pink tinge to them which I don't really recall. Flowers should be a pale yellow. Is this a heat or drought effect? To be continued. Best 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 +