Crinum reblooming
Joe Shaw (Sat, 12 Aug 2006 09:54:38 PDT)

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What I mean for reblooming is a plant which sends scapes i.e. in June and
again in August or September. So far the only true reblooming crinum I grow
is Cecil Houdyshel.
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Hi Gang and Angelo,

I agree with the proposed definition of reblooming. For me, C. bulbispermum
Jumbo hybrids do the typical 2-4 scapes in Spring and then slow down for
summer. Mature plants, if well watered, will put up more blooms in late
August and right up till frost.

Therefore, I was happy to see 'Bradley' reblooming this summer. 'Eagle
Rock' reblooms, irregularly but relalibly. 'Summer Nocturne' is late to
start but if you keep it well watered a clump just keeps blooming till
November (later if no frosts)--not every week but reliably often.
'Hannibals Dwarf' reblooms in late summer and sometimes tries to make a
third performance before frost--it too needs lots of water to keep on track.

Some C. asiaticum-like plants (or hybrids) seem to bloom off and on till
frost cuts them down. They may bloom early in the season, or wait till June
to start, but then they can keep making flowers. C. x augustum seems to
bloom only in winter, and it is not suitable for me to grow becuase I don't
protect my plants from cold. However, friends in Houston (a bit warmer)
grow it in frost-free gardens where it reliably blooms several times from
December till spring. They may experience drop to 31-33 F once or twice a
winter, but plants near the house never feel that cold.

I've finally decided that one key for rebloom is water, water, water. I
think they need several years of good, regular irrigation (no month-long
droughts) before Crinum give their best performances. I can't be sure, but
that's my current "hypothesis of the week."

Cordially,

Joe