December 2012 in the Southern Hemisphere

[Lvandelft]

Like Tigridia, the flowers only last a day but what a day! There seem now to be two pods forming so if they mature Luit, you may like a little seed? Too early to tell yet but I'll keep in touch. In spite of a filthy, cold, wet spring and an almost as bad early summer, I've better seed on bulbs this year than for many years past.

YES Lesley, that would be great Hopefully, by the time needed I'll have a small sort of glasshouse then to grow-up plants like this ...

[rob krejzl]

How tall is the flowering stem and what size is the flower?

For me they're about 40 cms high, with less of a tendency to sprawl if grown in too rich a medium than vanhouttei or pavonia. The flowers are about 7-10 cms across. Mine do best in full sun, with a well-drained but moist soil. Self-fertile too.

John, did yours come from the Gillanders or another source? If they're definitely from a different introduction could I ask for a seed or two at some point?

[Lesley Cox]

I think mine is a little shorter, say 35cms and the flower a little less wide, maybe 6cms across but these are its first after all and it has lived all its short life (3 years) in a pot. Yours is a better picture than mine John. I noticed this morning the remains of a third flower on the same stem. It must have been out yesterday because apart from it, there are the two previous remains (pods) so a good clump must be quite spectacular over a period. I have maybe 3 or 4 more plants in my pot, not yet flowered.

[John Kitt]

Yes  it is ex Ken Gillanders  My stem is 60cms with the flower 7cms.  I am growing it in a pot at present so it does get a little bit pampered.
Rob, I notice I have at least two seed pods forming on one stem so I will collect them for you

John

[rob krejzl]

Thanks for the offer John, but mine are from Ken as well. I was hoping for something with a different origin.

[Lesley Cox]

Mine then Rob? if the seed develops. I can't imagine Stewart's came from Ken.

[rob krejzl]

That would be very gracious - especially at a time when you're so busy.

[Lesley Cox]

Well they'll be a good while yet I'd guess, assuming they develop properly anyway. I'll let you know later.