Re: Was Cloud-Cover, Becomes Ginger Lilies

Tim Longville wrote:
> 
> Dave: I was intrigued by your seed-setting H. gardnerianum. The brute
> flowers well here - and, like yours, is putting out fat Churchillian
> cigars of new growth at the moment - but nary a sign of a seed pod.
> Ever. In 1998 I could understand it, since we hardly had a summer to
> persuade the poor creature into flower (it finally made it in late
> October) but it doesn't set seed even when we have a real, long, hot,
> dry summer, with consequent profuse flowering. Why not, darn it? (That
> was a squeak of outrage.) Which insect does the S.W. have which the
> N.W. doesn't? Have you ever spotted which wee thing it is which does
> the trick?

Hi Tim
Sorry to hear your Christmas was so fraught. Hope the weather has now
relented a little.

Just though I would let you know that H gardnerianum flowers well in
this area, but does not normally set seed. However around Auckland,
which is marginally warmer at all times of year, it seeds so freely that
it is now classed as a noxious pest,  apparently being spread by birds. 
Three years ago I made a train trip from Auckland to Wellington and for
the first few miles the railway embankments were lined with it on both
sides, very pretty it is true, but it was also spreading into bush areas
and overwhelming native vegetation, so a full eradication policy is now
in place. Perhaps it is a good thing it doesn't seem inclined to set
seed in cooler climates!!

(A thought -- I wonder if pollination is by nectar-feeding birds. It is
usually red or yellow flowers which appeal to them. We have our own
nectar-feeders here, as do the folks in western America.)

My tally of Geranium rubescens seedlings stands at just three, which
suits me nicely, as I don't have all that much room to grow them. They
are fine healthy plants and one has already been put into the border
(others to follow when I've caught up with the weeding). Sadly, The
other two lots of seed  you kindly sent have shown no germination. I
think it could be my fault, as I made up a batch of seed mix with some
palm peat I was trying, and nothing seems to like it much. Pity, as it
has a very nice texture. I haven't had time to investigate, but am
wondering  if perhaps  the pH is very odd. Meantime I am not using the
rest of it, at least for the time being.

Happy New Year to you and other list members

Moira
 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand
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