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Re: Centranthus ruber germination


On Mon, 1 Jun 1998 18:35:48 -0400 (EDT) "Al. Robert Krismer"
<alrkrize@TSO.Cin.IX.Net> writes:
>Any tips on getting C.ruber to germinate. I sowed some pre-chilled 
>seeds about
>ten days ago but have noticed no germination. Is this normal? Last 
>year for
>the first time I was able to C. ruber to germinate, but it was up 
>within a
>week. Plug trays are under a mist system.
>
>This plant thrives in our climate Zone 6.
>
>
>Al Krismer
>
>
>


Hi Al.

Apparently you'd like to be a bit more scientific than some of us when
growing Centranthus ruber. I have little ones sprouting under the hinge
of the garden gate, along the edge of the koi pond, and between the
cracks of the wooden walkway. So sprouting Centranthus ruber has not been
a problem.

But I would like to try propagating it your way. For one thing, I'm
curious whether the three colors I have (pink, brick-red, and white) will
come true from seed. The two latter colors, especially the white, seem
much more useful in the perennial border than the pink.

According to PERENNIALS: ANTIQUE FLOWERS FOR THE CONTEMPORARY GARDEN by
Rob Proctor, "The first white seedling was reported by a gardener in
Essex in 1604, and a deep copper-red variety, 'Atrococcineus,' is
striking. Seedlings are apt to display diversity, and white is not
uncommon. Centranthus can be a prodigous seeder if the spent heads aren't
removed, although they tend to place themselves in such an artistic
fashion that the young plants are nearly always welcome."

None of my books give any hints on propagating Centranthus ruber, perhaps
because so many gardeners just let it go to seed. But if you were able to
germinate seed last year, have you checked possible variables, like
temperature? As you know, we've had some weird weather lately here in the
States.

By now maybe your seedlings are already up. If you want to try
propagating asexually as well, you could just  take cuttings and stick
them into damp vermiculite. (Use rooting hormone if you like.)  They root
very rapidly. I have some out on the potting bench, not under drip or
mist or coddled in any way. I stuck them in casually less than a week
ago, and now if I tug on one, it comes up with healthy white roots. Since
these cuttings were struck from white Centranthus ruber, I know they will
bloom white as well.

How do you plan to use your seedlings in the garden?


Victoria

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