[pbs] Rhodophiala bifida
Mary Sue Ittner
msittner at mcn.org
Fri Sep 7 11:45:01 EDT 2007
Hi,
Patty and I traded some bulbs. She sent me some of her Rhodophiala that are
so happy in Central Texas and they are not happy in coastal northern
California. I don't even know if they are still here. If Bob Werra can
bloom them and I can't, it could be heat in summer they need. I don't know
if it cools off at night in Ukiah where Bob lives as much as it does here,
but it is definitely hotter during the day. Jim McKenney was amazed when I
sent him some pictures of a kite festival one July weekend and he saw
people bundled up in jackets and hats (during the day). It generally cools
off at night a lot here too (although we've just had a few warm nights.)
There aren't a lot of people sitting out around their barbecues outside at
night where I live like happened when I lived in Texas. Late afternoon
picnics and concerts can turn cool as evening descends and people bring
blankets and warm clothes just in case they are needed. And I suspect
Patty's dry areas may not be as dry as mine. I have mostly sandy soils so
by August after 3 or more months without any rain and only fog for
precipitation the soil where they are planted has to be bone dry. I think I
need to add this to most rainlilies that I can't get to bloom either. I
forgot to mention in my earlier post that the Amaryllis belladonna and
hybrids have been really nice this year and I know that not everyone can
grow them. If Rob in Tasmania can get Rhodophiala bifida to bloom it will
be more moisture in summer they need since he gets year round rainfall, but
has moderate temperatures too. I got to see some Rhodophialas blooming this
spring in Diana Chapman's large green houses where the temperatures are
quite warm during the day.
Mary Sue
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