Romulea komsbergensis

[P. Kohn]

Just seen Paul Cumbleton's fascinating article in 'The Plant Review' on W Cape geophytes hardy enough to grow outdoors in the UK. He particularly mentioned the Romulea as having proved hardy in an unheated greenhouse and now being trialed outside. He may be unaware of James Hitchmough's Instagram account in which he has recently described some of the work undertaken by his PhD student Ye Hang in a plot in Sheffield Botanic Gardens. In particular, Romulea komsbergensis has thrived for at least six years (including the beast from the east winter) even continuing to succeed for a couple of years after all maintenance of the research plot had ceased.

We are trialling a number of borderline hardy geophytes in a new South African planting in the gardens and are hoping the Romulea will be introduced shortly. Paul's article will provide many ideas for further species to try (if we can source the seeds - ordered some of them today from the Seed Exchange).

[Neil]

I have grown Romulea tempskyana outside, for the last 8 years, on the Sussex Coast, so it has had 2 bad winters with no ill effects

[P. Kohn]

Thanks Neil. This one is no good for us as it isn't South African but looks interesting,

Just discovered that James Hitchmough is talking to the South African Bulb Group next year so his research will be available.