How long can we go on with this topic before someone reminds us that this list is about bulbs?.... But I will risk one question: does anyone know whether Phytolacca 'Melody' is identical to 'Silberstein'? I've grown 'Silberstein' for years (and yes, virtually all of the seedlings are variegated, but I usually edit out the extremes from both ends (too white and too green); also, it self-sows just fine here, but the seedlings are easy to spot and remove when small); last year I was given seed of 'Melody', and so far they look identical to me. The horrid thought has crossed my mind that someone thought 'Silberstein' didn't sound as "saleable" as 'Melody'. Anyone know? As it happens, 'Silberstein' will be the cover girl for our next catalog. I think it's a fantastic plant. Ellen Hornig Seneca Hill Perennials Original Message: ----------------- From: James Waddick jwaddick@kc.rr.com Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2005 13:18:04 -0500 To: pbs@lists.ibiblio.org Subject: [pbs] Pokeweed 'Silberstein' >Also, does anyone know to what extent the rather startling variegated >form, 'Silberstein', comes true from seed? A few weeks ago I found >another variegated form, with cream sectorial variegation, rather >than the speckling of 'Silberstein'. It remains to be seen if its >proves stable... Dear Graham; Welcome to the list. 'Silberstein' generally comes true, but some selection is needed for best variegation. Oddly it hasn't self sown here, where typical Poke is a serious weed. I've never had a reaction from handling 'Silberstein'. I've noticed that if seedlings are started in spring, a good percentage of them winter kill the first winter, but if they survive they are fairly permanent. The amazing foliage makes it a very garden worthy plant. Best Jim W. ps RE: Cream sectorial variegation. I hear second handedly that cuttings of variegated Poke root easily, but almost never produce viable buds and survive winters. Serious propagation by seed only, so this new form may be a passing fancy -literally. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F + _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.ibiblio.org http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .