Sternbergia clusiana

Brian Whyer brian.whyer@which.net
Mon, 26 Jan 2004 10:37:57 PST
I have acquired 2 forms of Sternbergia clusiana over the last 3 years.
1, from a garden rescue from a late friend who kept detailed records so
that I know they originated from Wallace and Barr in 1995, and 2, from a
local friend recently.
1, has not flowered for me, but has had for several weeks large leaves
up to a foot (30cm) long by 1/2"+(15mm) wide, considerably wider than
any forms of S, lutea I have. The leaves appear in late autumn/early
winter, some weeks after S. lutea.
2, I was given 2 large (~4cm diameter) bulbs of, still only with 3-4"
long leaves just 3 weeks ago. This clump, in a local garden and
originally of 8 bulbs, had flowered for many weeks in October/November
against a west facing wall.
My experiences with one form of S. lutea, all originally from the same
clump, show that they can leaf up each year many weeks apart, with only
slight differences in growing conditions or position in the garden. Is
S. clusiana similar in this behaviour and/or does the fact that it has
not flowered induce the leaves to come much earlier, or is it possible
that 1, such a large wide leaved sternbergia, could be another species?
My books say S. clusiana leafs up late, after flowering.

You can see the flowering clump at
http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/…

And
http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/…


These are both stereo paired pictures, scanned from individual slides
"stitched" together, and taken with a purpose built stereo camera, and
consequently wider than normal. The first is true left/right, the second
swapped right/left. Some people, including me, can only see stereo pairs
correctly/easily, by crossing their eyes, when the pictures are
reversed. With the L/R pair I see the depth reversed, i.e. the parts
nearest appear furthest, and vice versa. Those who can see them in
stereo may notice they/it become(s) considerably sharper than the
original "flat" pictures. You will need to get the full width of the
picture on the screen, or on paper to try this effect. They were not
taken by me personally, but I am happy to try to get answers to any
questions on the technique by email to my private address PLEASE. NOT to
the list. I would personally be curious to know how many members see the
L/R or R/L versions in correct stereo, i.e. how odd am I? I could, Mary
Sue permitting, send a summary to the list if there is enough interest
in the technique.

Brian Whyer, zone 8'ish, Buckinghamshire, England
The many early forms of snowdrops bowed their heads last night in the
frost with the exception of one large flowered clone of G.
caucasia/elwesii. Now what shall I name it? See if it is still standing
at the end of this week with several cold nights and maybe even snow
predicted.


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