Hardy Glads - more
James Waddick (Tue, 22 Jun 2004 06:22:43 PDT)

Dear Jane;
I have not tried G. palustris, but wonder if it needs added
moisture, from its 'swampy' name.

Your G. 'dubius' sounds rather interesting . Will it appear
on your summer bulb list?

Seems to be pretty unanimous about the confusion over species
names. The European Garden Flora (Vol 1) distinguishes italicus,
imbricatus, and communis (with ssp byzantinus) over ratio of anther
to filament and if flowers are in one row or two. They also list G.
illyricus, another mixed up species to me. I wonder if these are
distinct in hort/commerce or is it just me?

All are listed as pink flowers with some minor variation to
red-purple. No white forms listed. EGF says the most commonly
cultivated European glad (communis) is sterile with only 90 instead
of 120 chromosomes.
G. atroviolacea is the only distinctly different/darker
colored flower given for a potentially hardy glad. Haven't tried it
yet. Jane?

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 +