Re: Ornithogalum species???

Ahronya@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hi Medit-plant Gurus and Friends,
>      I found the prettiest plant - Ornithogalum (no species or variety
> stated). There are 4 listed in Sunset, but none of them mention the brilliant
> orange flowers.
>      Sunset says an Ornithogalum will grow in many zones  and the tag says it
> is a So. African native. I am in Zone 14, so I should have a good chance with
> this little beauty.
>     Could someone please take a gander at my download and give me some info
> re: how much sun, water, soil, dividing bulbs, etc.
>      Thanks so much.
> 
Hi Ahronya
This appears to be Ornathogalum dubium.  O dubium is quite well known in
NZ and my local bulb book (slightly paraphrased) says :- 
>From Cape Province (S Africa). Succulent star-shaped leaves which lie
flat on the ground appear in early autumn and are followed in late
winter by 30-50cm flower-stems. Brilliant starry flowers about 5cm
across can be yellow orange or apricot-- often have a dark eye, but are
sometimes a single colour. Flowers will continue to open over a long
period (seed often ripens while fresh flowers are opening on the same
stem.)The leaves die off at flowering time.

Bulbs should be planted just below the surface in sandy soil. A
high-potassium fertilizer will enhance flower colour.

Occasionally some bulbs will remain dormant and miss a whole growing
season, but then resume normal growth. This can often be avoided by
soaking bulbs in tepid water for 4 hours before planting (so possibly an
in built drought precaution? M)
After soaking plant as soon as possible, as roots will begin to emerge
in about 8 hours.

It doesn't say anything about hardiness, but the Cape Province has a
typical Med. climate.

Moira

-- 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, 
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index