Pro Lycoris versus nothing
James Waddick (Tue, 17 Aug 2004 11:01:17 PDT)

Dear All;
Apologies to Diana, Russell and other private emails on this
topic. Responsible and reliable growers responded to my generalities
which (in general) did not apply to them. I fully understand the
obstacles for a small nursery and their doing the right thing. I
always try to encourage specialty growers of all kinds.

I think there was something here though of attacking the
messenger, not the message. I think the specifics I spoke of are
true, as generalities.

Growing something long enough to determine its true identify
and then its propagation, are long-term expensive propositions.
Skipping these 'details' happens all too often. It is well worth the
extra $ to buy from a reliable grower than a mega-store with few
scruples and eager to make a quick $.

Lycoris may be especially prone to problems for the reliable
grower. They need to be dug and shipped on their schedule, not on the
fall bulb schedule (or grown potted, as some are). They may take a
couple years to recover from the stress of mis-handling, they may not
all grow in any one climate etc. I think good true-to-name plants of
every sort deserve a premium price.

In my years of selling thousands of bulbs I always gave
plenty of caveats. My importations were to help friends in China and
along the way get interesting bulbs into the hands of good gardeners.
I frequently had to limit the number of bulbs sold to an individual
or the first buyer would have bought all of some varieties. This to
spread rare varieties around more. I regularly mentioned that
varieties can come and go from year to year and have no permanent
availability. And I always helped and advised anyone who ASKED.

I have had offers from other Chinese entrepreneurs to buy
Lycoris bulbs, but my intent was never just to sell bulbs. And some
entrepreneurial sorts are willing to put any label on any bulb if it
fetches a better price. I could have, still could, sell mixed Chinese
species and hybrids, but this only encourages more misidentification
and confusion in the long run.

Apologies to those who felt I hit close to home, I assure you
no evil intent was at the base. And I still encourage every one to
buy from the specialty bulb grower who actually grows their own
materials and has invested a lot of time, anguish and effort into
each carefully treasured bulb, corm and tuber.

best wishes to all. 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 +