Re: Scilla peruviana, Rhodophiala bifida


 On Fri, 13 Dec 1996, Loren Russell wrote:

 > 	I picked up both species for the first time while cruising
 > end-of-season discount bins.  I know that S.peruviana can be grown
 > outside in western Oregon. But what kind of temperatures can the foliage
 > take? Any other suggestions about siting this species?
 >
 > 	The bin label on Rhodophiala bifida says it "naturalizes in
 > west-coast gardens".  I assume that means California...  What kind of
 > conditions does it prefer in the garden, and how hardy is it?
 >

 Dear Loren,

 Scilla peruviana seems very hardy in southern England and its foliage
 takes no harm from frost. This summer, with constant watering, the leaves
 of mine remained green throughout, and are only just dying back as the
 new ones emerge.

 I have heard that Rhodophiala bifida/Hippeastrum bifidum is hardy in
 favoured locations in southern England: I am sure that it would prefer
 alpine house conditions though, and that's where my seedling (!) will stay
 until it flowers and multiply so madly that I have enough to try outside!
 It is growing now, and I am always wary of winter-active things of
 dubious hardiness. Kew grows this species beautifully in frame & alpine
 house conditions.

 The winter-growing plant I'm worried about at present is a Watsonia whose
 corms came home with me from my garden in Tanzania. After a couple of
 years in a pot I had had enough of its floppy leaves so I decided to
 plant it out, whereupon it promptly went dormant. Now, in the middle of
 winter, the stupid thing is poking up and just asking for frostbite in
 sensitive parts. Is it just me, or is it general experience that
 Watsonias hate disturbance?

 John Grimshaw
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