Pro Lycoris versus nothing
Jim McKenney (Sun, 15 Aug 2004 14:23:22 PDT)
At 02:57 PM 8/15/2004 -0500, Jim Waddick wrote:
no flowers (ever) on Amaryllis.
Jim, you're obviously a bird-in-the-hand-is-worth-two-in-the-bush type
person.
You don't mention how you are growing the Amaryllis. Are you growing them
outside in the ground? I wouldn't expect them to have much of a chance in
your area treated that way.
Are you growing them in pots? Big pots?
Inquiring minds want to know!
And when you write:
2 months of a succession of 20 species and
selections of Lycoris
don't forget, most of us would have trouble assembling a Lycoris collection
with a third or a fourth of the ones you have. So for most gardeners, "duh"
has nothing to do with it.
Jim McKenney
jimmckenney@starpower.net
Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, USDA zone 7, where a measly six different
Lycoris have bloomed from bulbs, many of which eventually provided a feast
for the bulb fly larvae.
Dear All;
Sorry, been on another peony project and slow to respond.
It is no contest: 2 months of a succession of 20 species and
selections of Lycoris versus no flowers (ever) on Amaryllis*. Duh.
Right now Lycoris incarnata is producing a nice show in a
couple patches. This has proven to be both remarkably hardy and
vigorous. The buds are an intense pink, but flowers open white with
each petal showing a rich pink mid-line. Undeniable 'peppermint'
quality. This is a medium size lycoris in all aspects and blooms as
the last of the L. chinensis/longituba and their hybrids are fading.
L. caldwellii should be next in line.
I can't agree more about the pitiful shape of Lycoris sold in
fall. The bulbs should be dug, divided and replanted in July or
August. By Oct and November they are extremely stressed and bulbs
bought then are half dead. I've never had them wait 5 years, but 2 or
3 years is not unusual before they show themselves again and add a
year from bloom.
Best Jim W.
* I have 4 or 5 varieties, but have been giving these away to other
more gullible local gardeners who think they can get this to bloom
here. Some in 10 years plus have produce nary a petal.
--
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 +
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