I have acquired 2 forms of Sternbergia clusiana over the last 3 years. 1, from a garden rescue from a late friend who kept detailed records so that I know they originated from Wallace and Barr in 1995, and 2, from a local friend recently. 1, has not flowered for me, but has had for several weeks large leaves up to a foot (30cm) long by 1/2"+(15mm) wide, considerably wider than any forms of S, lutea I have. The leaves appear in late autumn/early winter, some weeks after S. lutea. 2, I was given 2 large (~4cm diameter) bulbs of, still only with 3-4" long leaves just 3 weeks ago. This clump, in a local garden and originally of 8 bulbs, had flowered for many weeks in October/November against a west facing wall. My experiences with one form of S. lutea, all originally from the same clump, show that they can leaf up each year many weeks apart, with only slight differences in growing conditions or position in the garden. Is S. clusiana similar in this behaviour and/or does the fact that it has not flowered induce the leaves to come much earlier, or is it possible that 1, such a large wide leaved sternbergia, could be another species? My books say S. clusiana leafs up late, after flowering. You can see the flowering clump at http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/… And http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/… These are both stereo paired pictures, scanned from individual slides "stitched" together, and taken with a purpose built stereo camera, and consequently wider than normal. The first is true left/right, the second swapped right/left. Some people, including me, can only see stereo pairs correctly/easily, by crossing their eyes, when the pictures are reversed. With the L/R pair I see the depth reversed, i.e. the parts nearest appear furthest, and vice versa. Those who can see them in stereo may notice they/it become(s) considerably sharper than the original "flat" pictures. You will need to get the full width of the picture on the screen, or on paper to try this effect. They were not taken by me personally, but I am happy to try to get answers to any questions on the technique by email to my private address PLEASE. NOT to the list. I would personally be curious to know how many members see the L/R or R/L versions in correct stereo, i.e. how odd am I? I could, Mary Sue permitting, send a summary to the list if there is enough interest in the technique. Brian Whyer, zone 8'ish, Buckinghamshire, England The many early forms of snowdrops bowed their heads last night in the frost with the exception of one large flowered clone of G. caucasia/elwesii. Now what shall I name it? See if it is still standing at the end of this week with several cold nights and maybe even snow predicted.
