Leucojum aestivum comparisons
James Waddick (Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:48:27 PDT)
I'm interested to see that Jim states in his blog (see link below)
that L. aestivum doesn't "jump the garden fence" often. There are
huge drifts of it gone wild along the Oswego River north of the town
of Fulton, old enough and well-enough known to be mentioned in
floras I have read (unfortunately I'm traveling now and can't track
down a reference). They tend to grow in low-lying seasonally
flooded byways behind the banks of the river.
Dear PBSers,
No one has mentioned John Grimshaw's excellent article
'Variation in Leucojum aestivum' in the Plantsman, Mar '08. John
gives a review of the history of 'Gravetye Giant' and other
variations. Enlightening reading.
I agree with Ellen's comments. Even in my dry garden L.
aestivum readily sets seeds and moves around the garden. Furthermore
seedlings vary in flower size and number. I have a clump labelled
'Gravetye Giant' and I honestly cannot see any major differences, but
seeing as its preference seems to be much wetter sites than mine, I
suspect all growth is diminished to some extent. John shows a lovely
photo of the species growing lushly submerged in water although this
may be seasonal. If prefers damp habitats.
John also gives evidence of bulbs sold with a mixture of
cultivars under a single name. What a surprise.
Even in a garden that might be a challenge to express full
vigor, I find it easy and charming.
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 +