Flowers and foliage May 2008

[johanneshoeller]

Part 2 (Rhod. cham., Gentiana verna, Cyp. calceolus, ?)

[Kenneth K]

The last of the shortias to flower. The name is Shortia soldanelloides var magna (for the time being anyway)

[derekb]

Not an alpine but I think it is a good plant.
Kohleria sunshine.

[Michael J Campbell]

Michael, Are the Lewisia rediviva hybrids evergreen?

Susan,yes they are evergreen and repeat flowering all summer,they need lots of water in the summer unlike Rediviva. the flowers do not close up at night. These particular hybs are bred from other hybs,but that is another story, as yet untold.

[David Nicholson]

Michael, your hybrids are delicious.

[David Nicholson]

Here are two Gynandriris (now Moraea) flowering in the same pot. I think a G. monophyllus (first pic) must have landed in a G. sisyrinchium pot?

Grown from seed Anthony?  Are they difficult?

[Anthony Darby]

Not from seed bought bought separately as dry bulbs several year ago. I must check to see if the descriptions match?

[Viola]

Gynandiris sisyrinchium of Kreta.

Karl

[ranunculus]

Beautiful images everyone...a few of mine from my garden (and in pots) captured this very sunny (but windy) Wednesday in May.
I am particularly pleased with the Geum and Muscari entwined by the wind. (The last image).

[Lesley Cox]

Your pics are always so beautifully sharp and clear Cliff. Love the R. segueiri

[Magnar]

Yes, great pics and especially that of R. segueiri

[Luc Gilgemyn]

I agree with all the above and that R. seguiri  IS a stunner !   Is it difficult in cultivation Cliff ?

[ranunculus]

Thanks folks...

Ummm, Luc...how do I answer that?

I could say; 'Yes, it's EXTREMELY difficult to keep and flower in cultivation' (which seems to be the opinion of many who have tried it), but I find it much easier to cultivate (and flower) than, say, it's non-lime loving equivalent, Ranunculus glacialis.  This beautiful buttercup has been the source of my only Farrer Medals (same plant, but in separate years) - I will try to find an image of it at it's very best on the show bench.
It requires a very deep pot (it has an enormous root system), limestone grit and shards in quantity, ample water in spring and protection for the flowers from birds who seem to enjoy pecking the brilliant white flowers.  As with all these high mountain buttercups the hard part is finding a handsome and free-flowering form.

[David Nicholson]

Here is Allium karataviense from the garden today.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Ok Cliff - that makes things clear - a pretty easy plant  for my standards    
Thanks for the very clear explanation, and I would be very interested to see your show plant !

David, a very good looking A. karataviense you have there !