Soldanella culture

[David Nicholson]

So do I Mick, but then they die!

[David Nicholson]

Not having learned any lessons I've just bought a Soldanella carpatica x pusilla which, thanks to Susan, I shall try under glass. What should my watering regime be though once the flowers have died back?

[David Shaw]

It's a mountain plant - it gets rained on regularly in summer and it is covered in snow in winter. Keep it top watered in summer and just moist in winter.

[David Nicholson]

Thanks for that David.

[Michael J Campbell]

David,I keep my Soldanella in a north facing frame that only gets the evening sun in the summer time, and I cover it with glass in the winter and it flowers very well. I don't think they like greenhouses, much too hot in the summer. I have one in a raised bed facing south that is shaded by the house all winter, but full sun in the summer. It grows slowly but no flowers. hope this helps
Cheers.

[David Nicholson]

Thanks for that Michael, it might be happier then over the Summer in the covered shelves I use for my Auriculas and then bring it back to the greenhouse in October/November?

[Michael]

Just one question... Do they need lots of bright indirect light? Or fern light is enough? And during winter while covered by snow, do they need light, or they can handle 2-3 months of darkness?

[David Shaw]

Mike, snow isn't 'dark'. Have you ever looked at mountaineering or Antarctica type web sites where they show photos from deep down in crevasses - there is s remarkable amount of 'blue' light transmitted through the ice and snow. Any mountaineers who have camped out in snow holes will testify to the amount of light that filters in through the snow.
The soldanella could possibly withstand a reduced light in winter but definitely not darkness.

[Michael]

I am realizing that i still wtill need that refrigerator with glass sliding doors that they use on the supermarket for the icecream, to grow one... It would be interesting!

[WimB]

Could anybody tell me what's the best way to sow Soldanella montana?
It heard it should be very fresh. Does it still have to be green? And which soil mix is the best to sow this species in?

[ranunculus]

The fresher the better Wim...but mine germinate where they fall in a very gritty slightly acid soil in a very large pot. They do appreciate very moist conditions in spring.

[Les Brown]

The Soldanella at Harrogate was Wilma & Jim Wrights, It's had a Farrer a coulple of years ago. They live in Southport, Merseyside & have a shady back yard converted into a small garden & the only cover they have are a couple of small frames & a conical greenhouse. I think it lives in a frame during winter, however I will ask them. They can't reply themselves as they don't have a computer.
Cheers
Les