Isoplexis sceptrum from Madeira
- Subject: Isoplexis sceptrum from Madeira
- From: d* f*
- Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 17:22:04 -0800 (PST)
Is anyone growing this species in California? I
haven't seen this one in the San Francisco Bay Area,
and wonder if it is available as plants or seed? The
species grows in laurel forests on the island of
Madeira, with bold showy clusters of pendulous orange
flowers(much like an orange Eucomis/Pineapple Flower),
in late spring/early summer, and equally bold foliage.
The photos of this plant at Tresco Abbey gardens in
Scilly are stunning, as photographed in the Phillips
and Rix book.
Isoplexis canariensis is more readily found locally,
and are already blooming now in more protected spots.
I. canariensis grows easily here, but normally only
for 2 or 3 years. I seem to remember seeing I.
chalcantha being sold in the past, but it too is
relatively rare in California gardens. Could it be
that I. chalcantha and isabelliana are more difficult
to grow? I always wonder why some species rather than
others become popular, when they seem to come from
similar habitats, and are equally ornamental.
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