Epigaea repens

[shelagh]

We've had and lost both Epigaea repens and gaultherioides, but found E. repens easier to grow. Is the seed viable for very long because you rarely see it offered.

[art600]

I think frames are better for both E. gaultherioides and asiatica here. Don't have an E. repens 

Maggi
I was given a plant of E. gaultheroides.  Is your recommendation on frames restricted to the frozen north, or anywhere in the UK.  My plant, still in a pot was outside in last weekend's snow.

[johnw]

We've had and lost both Epigaea repens and gaultherioides, but found E. repens easier to grow. Is the seed viable for very long because you rarely see it offered.

Shelagh - It's been a long time since we collected Epigaea seed - maybe for the Archibalds. I think it was in late July or early August latest. Seeds are hard to find as the ants go off with them. I have never sowed them and so can't tell you about their viability.  We rarely see a seedling in the wild though I can't say I go actively looking for them. I have seen a few on a rotten stumps once and one E. repens came up in my coldframe next to E. asiatica last summer.

johnw

[Maggi Young]

Arthur, I would play it safe with frame culture... it is such a stunning plant, it would be a shame to risk it.
If I remember correctly, they keep E. asiatica in a frame at RBGE and it is lovely.

Sadly, we thought we would be clever and try life outdoors for these gems and this is all we are left with.....
albeit a very beautiful souvenir.....

a watercolour of our Epigaea gaultherioides when it was still  safely in a pot and going to shows....

[Iturraran]

a watercolour of our Epigaea gaultherioides when it was still  safely in a pot and going to shows....

WOW, wonderful work!!!  . Who's the artist???

[Maggi Young]

It is a super painting, isn't it, Jose? It is by the late Lawrence Greenwood, a wonderful man who regularly showed his watercolour paintings at AGS and SRGC Shows. He was a delightful man as well as an accomplished artist and he is much missed, though we still have the company of his widow, Lillian at Club events from time to time.

[Carlo]

VERY nice...

You're lucky--and I would suppose honored--to have one of his originals...

[Maggi Young]

Carlo, we are just delighted to have several of Lawrence's works which were painted from our own plants, we also have quite a number of others that we collected over the years... we bought whenever we could and some are gifts from Lawrence and Lillian.... we are constantly excited by the beauty and delicacy of his work, these paintings are a daily joy!

[Carlo]

Wonderful.

Can I suggest you start a new topic and show us some of the others?

[Maggi Young]

I might do just that, Carlo.  It would be nice to see other botanical artists' work too, don't you think?
I'll work on that ,soon 

[johnw]

Photo #1

I stopped three times along  very busy highways and shot some Epigaea repens. None were in flower yet but had pink flower tips.  I will check again in a few days.

This is one growing along side the freeway in nasty rocky soil hence the tight habit.

[johnw]

Photos 2 & 3

Growing at the very edge of woodland roadside. Soil is slightly humusy with oak, fir and spruce overhanging.

Had to flee to the car as a downpour erupted so no re-takes.
 
johnw

[johnw]

Photo #4

The best one in full sun, rocky soil with some humus.

Lots of buds hidden. I will return to shoot this one in flower.

johnw

[Maggi Young]

John, truly, I  didn't mean for you to risk life and limb from auto accident or downpour to get photos!!

[johnw]

John, truly, I  didn't mean for you to risk life and limb from auto accident or downpour to get photos!!

A good plant is always worth the risk!

johnw