Leucojum vernum & aestivum
James Waddick (Fri, 05 Jan 2007 13:07:34 PST)

Well I'll put in my 2 cents worth :

I grow both and have for years.
L. vernum only as the carpaticum form, but never bought under
that name, just were. They bloom reliably each year, set seed and
don't really expand much. I have them in a couple spots. They tend
to start blooming at ground level as soon as buds rise above the
soil. Foliage slightly paler, but still rich green, than L. aestivum.
It is about 1 to 1 1/4 inch tall now.

L. aestivum is many times more vigorous; blooming, expanding
its growing area, producing numerous grape size fruits filled with
seed and seedlings appearing each year. I also have the
indecipherably similar 'Gravetye Giant'. Folage is up about the same
as L. vernum, but much deeper green color.

My L. aestivum (Summer snowflake) ALWAYS precedes L. vernum
in bloom exactly opposite of logic.

Hearing from those having difficulty with these is a bit
surprising since mine grow in a fairly dry site. I have no damp
site-anywhere. Of course we get winter and spring precipitation-this
year more rain than snow.

Best Jim W.
--
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 +