Polianthes and Manfreda crosses
James Waddick (Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:02:02 PDT)
The F1 between Manfreda virginica and Polianthes tuberosa was tried in
Kansas Citywhere it perished. Zone 6b is probably just as far north as these
crosses will go.
Dear Friends,
Jon was kind enough to let me trial these here. Manfreda
virginica is quite hardy and reliable. Polianthes totally tender. I
grow a few other species of Polianthes, but in frost free situations.
My situation is a somewhat harsh location with a very exposed
garden that gets intense sun and cold. Manfreda does fine, but the
hybrid turned to mush in one average winter.
Perhaps a more protected - inner-city, or urban heat sink
location might do better. I'd hope that possible F2s back crossed to
Manfreda might keep some of the good Polianthes characters, but
increase hardiness.
These look like really excellent new additions to milder
climate bulb gardens. I know Jon is balancing a lot of 'stuff' and
this project doesn't always make the top of the list. Much
appreciated though.
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 +