alpine and subalpine Plants from New Zealand

[David Nicholson]

Thanks for that Lesley, you could well be right. I seem to remember though, when I first got the plant from Gerd Stopp the label was difficult to read (as sometimes Gerd's labels are to English eyes) but I thought it it started, perhaps, as Celmisia a..............................

I think I will write a PM to Thomas, who I think buys quite a lot of stuff from Gerd Stopp, and see if he could anything more.

[Leucogenes]

Thanks for that Lesley, you could well be right. I seem to remember though, when I first got the plant from Gerd Stopp the label was difficult to read (as sometimes Gerd's labels are to English eyes) but I thought it it started, perhaps, as Celmisia a..............................

I think I will write a PM to Thomas, who I think buys quite a lot of stuff from Gerd Stopp, and see if he could anything more.

Hello David

Of course I read along diligently in the background. I was very pleased with your photo. On the other hand I was a little surprised that you received this Celmisia from Gerd. It must have been some years ago...right? Because Gerd knows about my obsession for the alpine flora of New Zealand. He would definitely have offered me a copy...he's very generous to me. I live only 20 minutes away from Gerd and visit him several times a year. At my next visit, I'll ask for an ID of your plant. I have already made a screenshot of your photo. But this may not happen until August when Gerd's new list will be published. My day could have 50 hours...because I'm renovating most of my Alpinum right now. In addition, countless young plants have to be pricked...all only on weekends.

In the meantime you might get an exact ID from our New Zealand specialists here.

By the way...a general problem...Gerd has the handwriting of a pharmacist...😂😂

Cheers and best health
Thomas

[David Nicholson]

Hello Thomas, thanks for your very prompt reply, even quicker than my PM to you

I can't be exact how long it is since I bought the plant from Gerd but it is probably 5-7 years ago.

As said in my post I dug up the clump last week and re-potted them and was very pleased this morning to see a flower so I have added a picture here.

[Leucogenes]

Hello Thomas, thanks for your very prompt reply, even quicker than my PM to you

I can't be exact how long it is since I bought the plant from Gerd but it is probably 5-7 years ago.

As said in my post I dug up the clump last week and re-potted them and was very pleased this morning to see a flower so I have added a picture here.

(Attachment Link)

Hello David

I have the answer to your riddle... Lesley was absolutely right...
it is Celmisia spectabilis.  I have forwarded both your photographs to a very competent person...  Hamish Brown in Christchurch.  It is a fine example of how infinitely valuable and helpful this forum is.

I congratulate you for this beautiful plant and the magnificent flowering.  The bright underside of the foliage is also very decorative.

Cheers
Thomas

[t00lie]

As said in my post I dug up the clump last week and re-potted them and was very pleased this morning to see a flower so I have added a picture here.

(Attachment Link)

Lovely to see your Celmisia in flower David.
Here's a couple of images I took from the wild a wee while back.





Cheers Dave.

[David Nicholson]

Many thanks for your help Thomas.

Lesley, you were spot-on

Dave, thanks for the added pictures

[Gabriela]

Lovely to see your Celmisia in flower David.
Here's a couple of images I took from the wild a wee while back.
Cheers Dave.

Celmisia always looks so spectacular in the wild!

I've tried one from Seedex once with no success on germination. I have now a little NZ native flowering in the garden (besides the weedy Leptinella). To my best research it looks true to name but other opinions greatly appreciated.
Viola cunninghamii


Full view

[David Lyttle]

Hi Gabriela,

Yes, it is Viola cunninghamii. There are another couple of NZ Viola species that tend to be creeping. Your Viola will be quite happy to set seed without forming flowers. It will die back in the winter

[David Lyttle]

Viola cunninghamii from the wild



and from my garden where it is growing very happily

[Leucogenes]

That viola is very pretty...  Gabriela.



David...  ...what are the names of the other little violas? ...just for personal interest.

[Gabriela]

Thank you very much for confirmation David, and for the lovely pictures
I doubt mine will ever look so happy like the ones you show. I've read about its natural distribution and tried to planted in a location where I water when it gets very hot and dry in the summer.

For those reading here: I kept the pot with this Viola (grown from seeds) for 2 years in my cold frames and only planted it in the ground one month ago. So, we still have to see about its hardiness.

Thomas: thank you. If this little beauty makes seeds I'll remember about your great passion for the NZ plants.

[Gerdk]

For those reading here: I kept the pot with this Viola (grown from seeds) for 2 years in my cold frames and only planted it in the ground one month ago. So, we still have to see about its hardiness.

Gabriela,
This species does not survive our winter here in NW Germany (Zone 7 b - mostly no snowcover).
I am interested very much in the experience you will make.

Gerd

[David Lyttle]

David...  ...what are the names of the other little violas? ...just for personal interest.

The other two are Viola lyallii which I don't think I have ever seen or if so have not recognised it and Viola filicaulis. The latter is more of a forest species and often seen along tracks and forest margins generally. Here is a picture where you can see its creeping form.

[t00lie]

Dave, thanks for the added pictures

Celmisia always looks so spectacular in the wild!

Cheers.

Hi Gabriela,

Yes, it is Viola cunninghamii. Your Viola will be quite happy to set seed without forming flowers.

I found V. cunninghamii to be rather a bit too adventurous in our conditions in seeding about ......however I always enjoy seeing it in the wild when up in the hills.

[Matt T]

Celmisia bellidioides is flowering well this year. There are leaves under there somewhere.