Leucojum aestivum comparisons

James Waddick jwaddick@kc.rr.com
Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:48:27 PDT
>I'm interested to see that Jim states in his blog (see link below) 
>that L. aestivum doesn't "jump the garden fence" often.  There are 
>huge drifts of it gone wild along the Oswego River north of the town 
>of Fulton, old enough and well-enough known to be mentioned in 
>floras I have read (unfortunately I'm traveling now and can't track 
>down a reference).  They tend to grow in low-lying seasonally 
>flooded byways behind the banks of the river.

Dear PBSers,
	No one has mentioned John Grimshaw's excellent  article 
'Variation in Leucojum aestivum' in the Plantsman, Mar '08. John 
gives a review of the history of 'Gravetye Giant' and other 
variations. Enlightening reading.

	I agree with Ellen's comments. Even in my dry garden L. 
aestivum readily sets seeds and moves around the garden. Furthermore 
seedlings vary in flower size and number. I have a clump labelled 
'Gravetye Giant' and I honestly cannot see any major differences, but 
seeing as its preference seems to be much wetter sites than mine, I 
suspect all growth is diminished to some extent. John shows a lovely 
photo of the species growing lushly submerged  in water although this 
may be seasonal. If prefers damp habitats.

	John also gives evidence of bulbs sold with a mixture of 
cultivars under a single name. What a surprise.

	Even in a garden that might be a challenge to express full 
vigor, I find it easy and charming.

		Best		Jim W.
-- 
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph.    816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
	Summer 100F +


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