[pbs] Crinum season begins (with photos)
James Waddick
jwaddick at kc.rr.com
Thu May 4 09:43:30 EDT 2006
>For you Crinum growers in colder climates, Jim Wadddick,
>Jim Shields, and John Lonsdale come to mind, what's the
>survival report?
Dear Jay and all;
Jim S wrote: "I'm planning to try Crinum plantings farther away
from buildings this summer, "
I guess I have a year's jump on this trial. I planted 3
clumps (4-5 bulbs each) of C x powellii out in 'the lawn' last year.
None are close to protection. The farthest is around 150 ft from the
house. All were covered in a 12 in pile of leaves for winter. After
digging out of leaves, they have all survived even a small pup about
pencil diameter. Most are blooming size. I am hoping these groups of
bulbs will form immense clumps with foliage in all directions and
unencumbered bloom scapes.
Meanwhile my closer in and partially protected crinums all
survived too. The C. bulbispermum show first spikes just at ground
level. None others show signs of flowers yet.
We are in our April showers (a bit late) with 4 or 5 days and
around 3 inches of rain so everything will change when the weather
warms again.
Bulbs continue here with a few 'Stars' - the Aril and
aril-bred irises are dazzling, late scilla ( campanulata or whatever
they are called now) in pink, white a blue),and lilies are pushing
up daily. The real show is provided by Robinia p. 'Purple Robe'- the
purple flowered form of Black Locust. This looks like what a tree
Wisteria should look. And peonies galore in a great range of colors
and sizes. After the dullness of winter it is grand to see all shade
of green too.
I really hate to leave, but Tibet calls and I'll be back in
around 3 weeks to see the next round of bloom.
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 +
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