Help with Blandfordia grandiflora and Thysanotus arenarius

[rob krejzl]

One thing with the Blandfordia - when they were studied as a potential flower crop it was found that frequent transplanting of seedlings increased their rate of growth. Otherwise they can be quite slow.

[daveyp1970]

cheers Robs that's very handy to know.

[daveyp1970]

Davey I have to admit my complete ignorance, I had to google these to see what they were, the Blandfodia is lovely and I hope you have success in germinating them both and growing them on.

i hope so as well Brian.

[Lesley Cox]

I've had seed of both but many years ago, from Ken Gillanders I think. Neither germinated, so I can't add anything at all useful here. However, it may be that Marcus Harvey in Tasmania has some experience. I'm sure he's listed the Blandfordia, though perhaps collected rather than cultivated seed.

[rob krejzl]

Marcus Harvey...  ...listed the Blandfordia, though perhaps collected rather than cultivated

That's right. From Bruny Island amongst other places. I don't think he's ever offered grandiflora just our endemic, punicea.

Punicea is supposed to be the trickiest, but I haven't found it particularly so. Just don't let them dry out. Seed shouldn't need smoke, and the simple stratification suggested earlier seems to work OK for me.

[John Kitt]

I'v just acquired my first Blandfordia punicea which is described as "excruciatingly difficult to cultivate - best chance in a pot or well drained , moist site" so  I am encouraged by your comments Rob.

On Grandiflora, have you seen the brief info on http://asgap.org.au/b-gra.html?

[John Kitt]

Sorry, therre is also a fairly extensive article published by New South Wales Primary industries at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/134837/blandfordia.pdf which might offer some help.

[rob krejzl]

I'v just acquired my first Blandfordia punicea

John,

After a trip up to the Ridgeway I suppose. I go there to look (and only look  ) at Isophysis in flower. That is too hard for me. My place just isn't cool enough. But you shouldn't have too much trouble with punicea.

[John Kitt]

Rob,
I'll steer clear of Isophysis, it will probably be too warm for me here too.
I have never been a great fan of Australian natives but there are some little gems among the Tasmanian alpines.
I have planted up a trough of a few which I am very pleased with as a first attempt.
I'll post a photo when they settle.
John

[daveyp1970]

I have never been a great fan of Australian natives but there are some little gems among the Tasmanian alpines.
I have planted up a trough of a few which I am very pleased with as a first attempt.
I'll post a photo when they settle.
John

I'm really looking forward to seeing the photo's John.

[Otto Fauser]

Davey , Blandfordia grandiflora and punicea grow and flower well in my garden , morning sun , cool and moist spot ,but well drained .However I have never found any selfsown seedlings. The same applies to Thysanothus multiflorus . Both photos were taken last year around Christmas time.

[daveyp1970]

Otto thank you for posting your images they are fantastic,i'm still waiting for my seed.

[daveyp1970]

I just thought i would let you know my Blandfordia are growing

[Lesley Cox]

Oh yeah?

[Tim Ingram]

I worked in Tasmania many years ago and was captivated by Blandfordia punicea growing on the flanks of the Western Arthurs (along with Isophysis tasmanica). Eventually I got hold of seed of the Blandfordia from Jim Archibald. It germinates relatively easily but the seedlings grow on at an extraordinarily slow rate, and would probably have benefited from feeding. Where they grow in the wild is pretty poor acidic soil and I imagine their natural growth rate is slow.

In the garden it grew for several years in soil with plenty of added peat and bark, and flowered quite well, but our climate is really much too dry for it. It has been occasionally shown at AGS Shows where it looks pretty exotic even though being a true alpine in the wild.