South African bulbose plants 2009

[David Nicholson]

Well done Michael, that's very pretty.

[mark smyth]

How long from seed, Michael?

[Michael J Campbell]

Ten years Mark.

[Ragged Robin]

A decade of congratulations Michael, you must be over the moon with such a beautiful flower   

[Michael J Campbell]

I have another twelve bulbs with no flower buds visible yet. it was crossed with Cyrtanthus elatus.

[Maggi Young]

I have another twelve bulbs with no flower buds visible yet. it was crossed with Cyrtanthus elatus.

So there could be quite a range of flower in the end, then, Michael?

Ten years  (from seed)

Apart from demonstrating your patience, Michael, this does illustrate why some bulbs can be very expensive to obtain, doesn't it.... after all, a nurseryman can't sit and starve  under a tree for ten years!! 

[mark smyth]

very dedicated!

I was given a Nerine 'Winter Sun' that is supposed to be a bowdenii/sarniensis hybrid. It's flowering now and looks like a delicate bowdenii - delicate as in small and petite. Does anyone know it or grow it?

Many of my sarniensis are now in bud. They are multiplying well and next year I should have enough to produce a swaps list

[mark smyth]

Michael do you think they are all hybrids? The one you show is lovely

[Michael J Campbell]

a nurseryman can't sit and starve  under a tree for ten years

I am not so sure about that Maggi. I have done my share of it in the past.

[Michael J Campbell]

They should be Mark, I was very careful when crossing them,but you never can be sure.

[Maggi Young]

a nurseryman can't sit and starve  under a tree for ten years

I am not so sure about that Maggi. I have done my share of it in the past.

Well, Michael, I have a good many nurseryman friends who would agree with you there....  

I think your new flower is lovely, and worth the wait! Such a delicate shade and elegant shape.
You'll keep them under glass at all times, do you? 

[Michael J Campbell]

Maggi,the hybs are all under glass but the Parent Amaryllis has been planted out in a raised bulb  bed uncovered for the past five years, and flowers very well every year. I think they do better outside if you have a suitable spot.

[Maggi Young]

Maggi,the hybs are all under glass but the Parent Amaryllis has been planted out in a raised bulb  bed uncovered for the past five years, and flowers very well every year. I think they do better outside if you have a suitable spot.

My goodness, I didn't expect that!

[mark smyth]

Maggi are you shocked by the fact they can be grown outside in Ireland?

[Michael J Campbell]

It surprised me as well Maggi, but as they say you learn a little every day. I thought that the constant rain would kill them but if they have good drainage they seem to tolerate it without any problems. It is just showing buds now and I will post a pic when if flowers. I posted a pic last year.