I've been growing Ornithogalum pyrenaicum for quite a while and it is only recently that it's done any seeding at all, all to the good. Its small, yellowish-brown flowers can only be called subtle but it offers a treat to the sharp-eyed true gardener, particularly when it insinuates itself into a wildly inappropriate pairing. Jim Jones Lexington, MA -----Original Message----- From: Mark McDonough <antennaria@charter.net> To: pbs@lists.ibiblio.org Sent: Sun, Jul 19, 2009 11:16 am Subject: Re: [pbs] Ornithogalum sphaerocarpum From Jane McGary bulbs received in 2003, this was the first year Ornithogalum sphaerocarpum. When I planted the bulbs, I really didn't know much about it, so the bulbs were situated completely wrong at the base of Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Bird' (blue Rose-of-Sharon), the 3' tall wands of green white-edged flowers obscured by Hibiscus foliage. Here's a photo showing a few delicate flowers shaded amongst the shrub's foliage; photo taken on June 21, 2009. http://plantbuzz.com/buzz/2009/… I have since moved the plants to an open area among my allium garden; the 2 bulbs are rather large. Only 5 "sphaerocarps" are setting seed. Doing Google searches I see this species sometimes listed as Ornithogalum pyrenaicum ssp. sphaerocarpum. Does any know the current taxonomic status? Is this species really that slow growing (thus not a weedy spreader) to be considered a safe and desirable Orni?. It is not showy but if one likes green flowers (I do), then this one certainly has an air of grace about it. Mark McDonough Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border, USDA Zone 5 antennaria@charter.net
