Another Lycoris Trick
James Waddick (Wed, 03 Sep 2003 17:06:15 PDT)

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 +