Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Bulbs => Crocus => Topic started by: Tony Willis on February 01, 2011, 03:06:38 PM

Title: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 01, 2011, 03:06:38 PM
Two Crocus baytopiorum in flower today.

The first is very small and the second is much larger and with nice markings.

Last years seed has now germinated so a chance to build up a few more.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 01, 2011, 04:28:52 PM
Nice colour Tony 8)

Here is Crocus fleischeri (thanks Anne) doing its bit in the sun today
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 01, 2011, 04:56:49 PM
Tony,
indeed the second one have nice markings! Good luck for successful germaination.

Ian,
what stunning C. fleischeri! 8) A very good form.
It warms up my heart ;D
Excellent photographed.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 01, 2011, 06:05:49 PM
I'm sooooo jealous of all these early Crocus.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 01, 2011, 06:56:22 PM
Nice colour Tony 8)

Here is Crocus fleischeri (thanks Anne) doing its bit in the sun today
Very good pictures, Ian! Many thanks!
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: annew on February 01, 2011, 07:41:33 PM
Ha! Mine aren't up yet!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Natalia on February 01, 2011, 07:51:42 PM
Tony, what gentle and a pure colour!!!

Ian, thanks for magnificent photos!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ashley on February 01, 2011, 07:54:45 PM
Ha! Mine aren't up yet!

They are here Anne ;) ;D & now pollinated, so fingers crossed for a decent seed set.
Seed sown last year gave practically 100% germination.

Beautiful plants Tony and Ian.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: annew on February 02, 2011, 09:11:55 AM
C. fleischeri has one of the loveliest scents of all.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 02, 2011, 09:31:37 AM
Thanks for the compliments it was a lovely surprise to find it open yeasterday morning

C. fleischeri has one of the loveliest scents of all.

Anne I didn't notice but will check it out 8)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 02, 2011, 01:21:33 PM
Neat timing with the two Ians.... the BD has the first C. fleischeri out too.... it's in the Bulb Log just loaded online   :D

 Sadly, though both of us are inveterate flower sniffers, we are both suffering with a cold and our noses are not in very good scenting order at present.... and today is so dark and horrible that no self-respecting flowers are open.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 03, 2011, 02:15:51 PM
A good day for the crocuses today,warm inside with a bit of sun. When I opended the greenhouse it was very scented but from which one(s) I could not tell.
A view of part of the left bench with lots open
Crocus biflorus ssp alexandri I have shown this before but it now has more flowers open
Crocus cyprius two views to show the markings inside and out
Crocus chrysanthus
Crocus biflorus ssp pulchricolor
Crocus biflorus ssp pulchricolor x chrysanthus two natural hybrids one of which I have shown before but it is now fully open showing the nice inside colour.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 03, 2011, 02:23:17 PM
crocus biflorus pulchricolor hybrid c91 sfeb11.jpg  :o :o what a lovely warm colour
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 03, 2011, 02:23:47 PM
What size pots are you using?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 03, 2011, 03:13:40 PM
What size pots are you using?

for up to four corms I use 7cm and then upwards to a maximum of 15 cms inside measurements.I put about ten in the larger size and if I have more than that which is unlikely I split them.

Yes I am pleased with c91
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 03, 2011, 04:40:59 PM
A good day for the crocuses today,warm inside with a bit of sun. When I opended the greenhouse it was very scented but from which one(s) I could not tell.
A view of part of the left bench with lots open
Crocus biflorus ssp alexandri I have shown this before but it now has more flowers open
Crocus cyprius two views to show the markings inside and out
Crocus chrysanthus
Crocus biflorus ssp pulchricolor
Crocus biflorus ssp pulchricolor x chrysanthus two natural hybrids one of which I have shown before but it is now fully open showing the nice inside colour.

Love the cyprius Tony  8) my seed has just germinated so something to look forward to
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 03, 2011, 05:10:23 PM
A wonderful display Tony !!!
Love 'em all, but the hybrid looks exquisite !!  ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 03, 2011, 07:05:29 PM
A couple from the greenhouse today

2 pics of C vernus from seed 2006 (thanks TongG)
C biflorus ssp issauricus
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on February 03, 2011, 07:34:46 PM
Love the cyprius Tony  8) my seed has just germinated so something to look forward to

I agree Ian. Stunning CrocusTony ! :P Here the bud do not open fully  :(
Even with the sunny hours of the previous weekend ... 
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: art600 on February 03, 2011, 07:59:22 PM
Kris

Stunning  Crocus - prefer to see them not fully open so that the outer markings can be seen.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on February 03, 2011, 08:14:34 PM
Kris
Stunning  Crocus - prefer to see them not fully open so that the outer markings can be seen.

Thank you Arthur.
You have a good argument Arthur.
In Belgium is a saying : " beauty comes from inside "
But we can't forgot the outside ....
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 03, 2011, 08:25:28 PM
A couple fro my greenhouse also today:

Crocus sieberi "Firefly"-this one from Augi's Bulbs

C. gargaricus, a gift from Tony Willis in 2008.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on February 03, 2011, 08:41:30 PM
A couple fro my greenhouse also today:
Crocus sieberi "Firefly"-this one from Augi's Bulbs
C. gargaricus, a gift from Tony Willis in 2008.

What a fantastic sieberi David ! Very good colors !
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 03, 2011, 08:55:37 PM
Thank you Kris.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: art600 on February 03, 2011, 09:38:40 PM
David

Have you tried 'Firefly' in the garden.  I have and it spreads all by itself.  It is a wonderful doer. :) :)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 03, 2011, 09:44:49 PM
Stunning pot of vernus  :o
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 03, 2011, 09:50:25 PM
Ian,
Stunning pot of vernus seedlings !! A very good form !  :o

David,
Firefly really looks gorgeous !
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 03, 2011, 11:20:44 PM
A couple from the greenhouse today

2 pics of C vernus from seed 2006 (thanks TongG)
C biflorus ssp issauricus
Nice to know that the plants are spreading their wings!  Funny how things work out, that form of C vernus came from (SRGC :o) seed as C reticulatus ... which it isn't!  It has been exhibited under the incorrect name at shows.  I was very disappointed to find my potful of C reticulatus were imposters and have always been a bit unkind about them - perhaps I should review my opinion ;)

BTW Ian that is a great backlit shot of the Crocus biflorus.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 04, 2011, 12:52:15 AM
A couple from the greenhouse today

2 pics of C vernus from seed 2006 (thanks TongG)
C biflorus ssp issauricus
Nice to know that the plants are spreading their wings!  Funny how things work out, that form of C vernus came from (SRGC :o) seed as C reticulatus ... which it isn't!  It has been exhibited under the incorrect name at shows.  I was very disappointed to find my potful of C reticulatus were imposters and have always been a bit unkind about them - perhaps I should review my opinion ;)

BTW Ian that is a great backlit shot of the Crocus biflorus.

Tony thanks for that it is nice to know where it originated from. I must say that it makes a striking plant with the candy stripes
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 04, 2011, 10:21:53 AM
David

Have you tried 'Firefly' in the garden.  I have and it spreads all by itself.  It is a wonderful doer. :) :)

No I haven't Arthur, I only got it this year, but I will try a couple of corms in summer.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: art600 on February 04, 2011, 10:37:03 AM
If I remember I will send you some.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 04, 2011, 03:38:49 PM
Very kind Arthur but I have 3 pots so will have enough to try them in the garden. Many thanks.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Roma on February 04, 2011, 05:42:44 PM
Beautiful crocuses everybody.  Thank you for sharing them.  I have only two flowering in the greenhouse just now but others in the coldframe are showing colour and are moving fast.  Crocus caspius did not flower this year and 'Sunspot' has only one shoot showing and does not look as if it will flower.
Crocus atticus 'Bowles' White' was rescued from a heap of old potting compost.
The other was labelled Crocus vernus ssp vernus grown from seed in 1988 and neglected for many years but now building up again.  I think it should be Crocus heuffelianus.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: art600 on February 04, 2011, 06:13:50 PM
At last year's discussion weekend I bought a lot of bulbs including  Crocus korolkowii.

I have not always been successful with korolkowii, but I hope these two pots will lead to better things.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 04, 2011, 06:55:52 PM
Few days ago I took off covering of beds in greenhouses. Temperature all the week are around zero. Crocuses and other bulbs in general looks very well. Some damage of Penicillium or Fusarium nivale on autumn blooming crocus cataphylls. So I sprayed all beds with SWITCH which is reported as best against those diseases. It is very expensive, but seem that works well. Today all plants looked very well. It was a little lighter at midday and I maid few pictures. Of course it is nothing comparing with your pictures - with me only some buds and mostly of crocuses regarded as autumn bloomers. More developed are spring Colchicum blooms. Development of those flowers were stopped by early winter. Pity, but next week are offered returning of frost up to minus 14-18 C. Hope it will be mistake but I'm ready to return covering during one day.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 04, 2011, 07:24:51 PM
A couple from the greenhouse today

2 pics of C vernus from seed 2006 (thanks TongG)
C biflorus ssp issauricus
Nice to know that the plants are spreading their wings!  Funny how things work out, that form of C vernus came from (SRGC :o) seed as C reticulatus ... which it isn't!  It has been exhibited under the incorrect name at shows.  I was very disappointed to find my potful of C reticulatus were imposters and have always been a bit unkind about them - perhaps I should review my opinion ;)

BTW Ian that is a great backlit shot of the Crocus biflorus.

Tony,
the very beautiful C. vernus (from you and Ian) have a style much shorter than the anthers.
Isn't that a dominant characteristics of ssp. albiflorus?
I can't judge the size and visibility of bracteole from picture but overall appearance looks more albiflorus to me.
Or is it perhaps a hybrid?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: annew on February 04, 2011, 07:48:07 PM
I love the C laevigatus 'Gold Back', that creamy colour is one of my favourites in plants.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 04, 2011, 11:09:05 PM
Few days ago I took off covering of beds in greenhouses. Temperature all the week are around zero. Crocuses and other bulbs in general looks very well. Some damage of Penicillium or Fusarium nivale on autumn blooming crocus cataphylls. So I sprayed all beds with SWITCH which is reported as best against those diseases. It is very expensive, but seem that works well. Today all plants looked very well. It was a little lighter at midday and I maid few pictures. Of course it is nothing comparing with your pictures - with me only some buds and mostly of crocuses regarded as autumn bloomers. More developed are spring Colchicum blooms. Development of those flowers were stopped by early winter. Pity, but next week are offered returning of frost up to minus 14-18 C. Hope it will be mistake but I'm ready to return covering during one day.
Janis

Nice plants Janis lets hope for some sun

Here is C corsicus looking nice in todays sun - though not much forecast for the next few days :'(
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 04, 2011, 11:14:56 PM
I cannot believe all these gorgeous photos.... you all have you plants so far ahead of ours.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: udo on February 05, 2011, 05:11:34 PM
Ian, your Crocus looks more like a Cr.suaveolens ( yellow throat )
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerry Webster on February 05, 2011, 05:44:55 PM
Ian, your Crocus looks more like a Cr.suaveolens ( yellow throat )

You beat me to it Dirk. Either C.suaveolens or a hybrid  Most of the 'C. corsicus' currently in the trade seem to have yellow throats - should be white or lilac.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 05, 2011, 05:46:00 PM
I agree with Dirk. It certainly is not C. corsicus, Ian. Crocus corsicus has white throat.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 05, 2011, 05:46:55 PM
Ian, your Crocus looks more like a Cr.suaveolens ( yellow throat )

You beat me to it Dirk. Either C.suaveolens or a hybrid  Most of the 'C. corsicus' currently in the trade seem to have yellow throats - should be white or lilac.

Those with light yellow throat are hybrids.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Alex on February 05, 2011, 07:52:14 PM
Here are Crocus cvijicii (ex Janis), C. gargaricus and a huge flowered C. veluchensis from Tony Willis. If I can stop the stems etiolating, I think this will be an incredible plant.

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 05, 2011, 07:55:39 PM
C. angustifolius Gold is open today  :o :o wolf whistle

Sorry no photo because my camera does not like the colour.

Many orange Crocus now in flower and slugs smell good things. Alternative food out of slugs
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 05, 2011, 08:29:12 PM
Ian, your Crocus looks more like a Cr.suaveolens ( yellow throat )

Thanks for your input Dirk. I bought this some time ago after a previous experience when I was sent Imperati for corsicus by another supplier. I suppose I should have known something was wrong  when it flowered so early  :(
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 05, 2011, 08:34:30 PM
C. chrysanthus Canary Bird from a UK supplier is not.

Editing photos I see my photo of Gold angustifolius look OK but a little bit pale
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 05, 2011, 08:38:20 PM
C. reticulatus Gold is open today  :o :o wolf whistle

Sorry no photo because my camera does not like the colour.

Many orange Crocus now in flower and slugs smell good things. Alternative food out of slugs
Mark, reticulatus or angustifolius 'Gold'? I think the last.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 05, 2011, 08:41:12 PM
oops sorry you are correct
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 05, 2011, 10:46:31 PM
Ian, your Crocus looks more like a Cr.suaveolens ( yellow throat )

Thanks for your input Dirk. I bought this some time ago after a previous experience when I was sent Imperati for corsicus by another supplier. I suppose I should have known something was wrong  when it flowered so early  :(

Dirk may be right BUT you are growing the plant that has been in UK trade for at least 20yrs under the name C corsicus.  We have discussed its origins before and wondered if it is a hybrid. 
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 06, 2011, 10:41:20 AM
Ian, your Crocus looks more like a Cr.suaveolens ( yellow throat )

Thanks for your input Dirk. I bought this some time ago after a previous experience when I was sent Imperati for corsicus by another supplier. I suppose I should have known something was wrong  when it flowered so early  :(

Dirk may be right BUT you are growing the plant that has been in UK trade for at least 20yrs under the name C corsicus.  We have discussed its origins before and wondered if it is a hybrid.  

Tony interesting until your comment I had quite forgotten the discussion we had about corsicus 2009 which arrived at broadly the same conclusion that it was probably a hybrid. I will have to see if I can get the real thing
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 06, 2011, 12:09:05 PM
Between clouds some sun from time to time appear but too little to open Crocus flowers. May be not bad as at next weekend minus 18 C are promissed. So I pictured today only closed flowers which still never open.
Crocus biflorus fibroannulatus pot I brought inside to force flower opening for pollinating. Afraid that frost will stay for some time and then will be too late for pollination.
Few stocks of ancyrensis shows buds out - very early comparing with other seasons.
Crocus michelsonii and other Central Asians delay a little. Not so bad.
This C. melantherus from John Fielding - just contrary, didn't bloom in autumn (as must) but started now (may be in winter, under cover).
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 06, 2011, 12:52:32 PM
Less than half an hour on my bathrooms window and flower of Crocus biflorus fibroannulatus widely opened.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: YT on February 06, 2011, 01:56:51 PM
Thanks for so many cool crocus pictures. Here are Crocus tauricus Ai-Petri forms and Crocus chrysanthus 'Macedonian Ivory'. Both are from Janis.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: udo on February 06, 2011, 02:36:29 PM
nice flowers from all, here some pics from me:
Cr.suaveolens, early form,Cambridge Bulbs
Cr.korolkowii, Dutch form
Cr.hartmannianus, C-Cyprus
the last two in the greenhouse for hand-pollination, korolkowii with michelsonii and
hartmannianus with himself
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: daveyp1970 on February 06, 2011, 03:18:30 PM
Janis i like the dark stem below your C.ancyrensis is this normal because mine has quite pale stems.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 06, 2011, 06:09:11 PM
Janis i like the dark stem below your C.ancyrensis is this normal because mine has quite pale stems.

Yes, this is very special stock marked as "ex" (extra) with deep purple flower tube.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 06, 2011, 07:53:56 PM
Lovely images folks.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 07, 2011, 09:33:20 AM
Janis i like the dark stem below your C.ancyrensis is this normal because mine has quite pale stems.

Today in my office again is electricity (marten entered transfer box, fuse it and burnt all together with itself - repairing took long time), so now I have access to my picture files. I'm showing Crocus ancyrensis pictures from wild showing variability of flower tubes. Sorry, last picture with deep purple tube hasn't good quality.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 07, 2011, 11:02:30 AM
Few more crocuses pictured yesterday when for an half of hour we had full sun.
Crocus melantherus nicely opened its buds.
New shoots came up - Crocus nevadensis and of unknown subspecies of biflorus group from Basilicata in Italy. Unfortunately open flowers I will see not so soon, as frost is returning.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: daveyp1970 on February 07, 2011, 11:08:26 AM
Janis your  C.ancyrensis dark stem is just stunning fantastic find have you found it as easy as the normal form.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 07, 2011, 11:14:41 AM
Janis your  C.ancyrensis dark stem is just stunning fantastic find have you found it as easy as the normal form.

Yes, it grow very well.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 07, 2011, 11:28:23 AM
Some very nice pictures over the weekend,the mild weather is moving them along
Some more of mine open today

Crocus angustifolius
Crocus biflorus ssp pulchricolor x chrysanthus natural hybrid
Crocus chrysanthus
Crocus gargaricus
Crocus sieberi three diferent forms
Crocus veluchensis
Crocus vernus
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: hadacekf on February 07, 2011, 05:29:12 PM
Spring is on the way to my garden in Vienna. Last week we had 20 cm snow and  -9° C.

Crocus korolkowii
Crocus laevigatus
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 07, 2011, 07:22:27 PM
Tony,
great croci collection.
C. sieberi & atticus...mouthwatering.
C. biflorus ssp pulchricolor x chrysanthus natural hybrid resembles cv. 'Spring Pearl'.
Now one can assume the possible cross origin of this cv.. :P
C. veluchensis & C. vernus...please beam some to my meadow ;D Would be glad if you can share some seeds (if any).

Franz,
it just needs a couple of warmer days with sunshine and flowers appear - that amazes/fascinates me year after year.
No open croci flowers here but buds (imperati, herbertii, ancyrensis) poked through ground overnight.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: hadacekf on February 07, 2011, 07:44:31 PM
Armin,
For me it is always a miracle, how quickly the blooms open.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: alpinelover on February 07, 2011, 07:44:48 PM
C. chrysanthus  ‘Fuscotinctus’ have  nice striped petals.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 07, 2011, 08:00:02 PM
Tony, you seem to have an endless stock of beauties...  :o :o   The hybrid is so special !!  :D

Out here, Crocus x reticulatus 'Janis Ruksans' came into flower in today's sun  :D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 08, 2011, 09:34:53 AM
Armin,
For me it is always a miracle, how quickly the blooms open.

Franz, yes it is!
It is awe-inspiring if one starts to think of how these little plants get their energy from to form such beautiful flowers while sitting in an icecold ground. :o
Spring = new life! For me, the most beautiful time of the year.

Frankie,
nice clump of cv. C. chrysanthus fuscotinctus. Typical showing the already long leaves when flowering.

Luc,
ohh, a pretty nice shining - C. x leonidii 'Janis Ruksans'.
Personal I feel pity it is sterile and does not set seed.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: udo on February 08, 2011, 05:32:22 PM
a warm day and some new flowers:
Cr.biflorus ssp. ? Belpinar Gec, Turkey
        ``        fibroannulatus
        ``        nubigena
    bornmuelleri
    danfordiae
    tauricus
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: udo on February 08, 2011, 05:37:11 PM
and more:
Cr.carpetanus 2x, thanks Rafa
    nevadensis, lilac form
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 08, 2011, 06:05:22 PM
Dirk,
super croci - as usual.  8)
Did you use a non-calciferous soil mix for C. carpetanus & C. nevadensis?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 08, 2011, 07:14:50 PM
and more:
Cr.carpetanus 2x, thanks Rafa
    nevadensis, lilac form


Nice I also have seedlings (thanks Rafa)

Here are a few from today

Tommies in the garden
Crocus cvijicii from seed (thanks TonyG)
A virused crocus which was supplied as malyi - wrong twice. My own fault for buying this from a non specialist  ::)
C antalyensis
sieberi firefly in the garden
herbertii in the garden

Would like an ID on this last one grown as biflorus albus x2  from AGS seed sorry about poor quality of photo
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 08, 2011, 07:17:16 PM
Oh I forgot this one
Sieberi Bowles White  (thanks ThomasH)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 08, 2011, 07:28:06 PM
Beautiful Crocus lads !!!  :o 8)

Dirk, your Biflorus ssp belpinar is very special !!  :o
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 08, 2011, 10:06:59 PM

Would like an ID on this last one grown as biflorus albus x2  from AGS seed sorry about poor quality of photo

Could be C biflorus alexandrii - I have something similar which is just that.  However I have seedlings ex biflorus pulchricolor (blue) which are pure white and seedlings ex sieberi Bowles white which are blue so it could just be a chance 'hybrid' form.  Nice though :)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 08, 2011, 11:41:30 PM

Would like an ID on this last one grown as biflorus albus x2  from AGS seed sorry about poor quality of photo

Could be C biflorus alexandrii - I have something similar which is just that.  However I have seedlings ex biflorus pulchricolor (blue) which are pure white and seedlings ex sieberi Bowles white which are blue so it could just be a chance 'hybrid' form.  Nice though :)

Thanks Tony I also wondered if it could ssp weldenii  ???
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 09, 2011, 12:55:56 AM
It does look a bit like ssp weldenii Fairy but I would not expect that clone to breed true!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 09, 2011, 01:00:36 AM
Sunshine today - Spring ...but still too early for my liking!  Too late to post more but here is a taste of things to come ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 09, 2011, 10:09:19 AM
Oh, happy friends. My entries stopped for at least two weeks. On attached picture you can see my Crocus greenhouse few minutes ago. Last night we had minus 2, at present it is minus 4, tonight will be minus 7 and so down to minus 25 for ~ 2 weeks. So this morning all covering was returned. Hope it will not damage well deeveloped plants, their leaves and few flowers.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 09, 2011, 11:55:20 AM
Oh, happy friends. My entries stopped for at least two weeks. On attached picture you can see my Crocus greenhouse few minutes ago. Last night we had minus 2, at present it is minus 4, tonight will be minus 7 and so down to minus 25 for ~ 2 weeks. So this morning all covering was returned. Hope it will not damage well deeveloped plants, their leaves and few flowers.
Janis

Janis It certainly seems tough to be a grower in your climate
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 09, 2011, 12:30:52 PM
Janis It certainly seems tough to be a grower in your climate

Yes, it is not easy - winter jumping up and down, cold and wet spring and autumn (sometimes I'm putting wooden planks between beds for walking and working), summer sometimes too dry and hot, sometimes too rainy. But I learned to menage most of problems. Of course, every season are done some mistakes, but I'm not more awakening in midnight and not getting back to sleep seeing bright moon in sky, outside minus 20 C and no flake of snow on my beds as it was some 10 years ago. Polytunnels helps and, most important - if plant are not growing especially after several attempts - it will not grow. Not worth to keep on list which is far too large, if it don't want grow with me. Even then my last inventory of stocks (finished a pair of weeks ago) showed 5750 entries, 250 I'm striping out for registration, label mistakes etc., but even then 5.5 thousands are too much, between them are 1182 samples of Crocuses (seedlings which didn't flowered yet are not counted).
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: udo on February 09, 2011, 12:37:16 PM
Dirk,
super croci - as usual.  8)
Did you use a non-calciferous soil mix for C. carpetanus & C. nevadensis?
Armin, all my Crocus grown in the self soil mix.
Here some new flowers:
Cr.biflorus ssp. atrospermus and
      ``            isauricus, this two ssp. from SW-Turkey
    sieberi ssp.nivalis, S-Greece
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 09, 2011, 03:09:48 PM
Hello Dirk,
thanks for your answer. Sofar C. carpetanus and C. nevadensis look very good! :D
I'm exited if my C. carpetanus (from Rafa too, thanks ;)) planted outside will flower this season, last year only leaves appeared. No noses visible yet in the garden. :-\

C. biflorus ssp. atrospermus is of my particular interest. As it is still rare I've not seen a good picture of the open flower, to compare form of anthers and style and inner markings.
Can you post one if convienient for you?

Hi Tony,
good 'roadside' spring start - nice hybrid! :)

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 09, 2011, 03:30:55 PM
Some Crocusses which flowered here in the last couple of days:

Crocus alatavicus
2 x Crocus antalyensis 'Sky Blue'
Crocus chrysanthus 'Uschak Orange'
Crocus dalmaticus 'Petrovac'
2 x Crocux fleischeri 'Gulek Pass'
Crocus korolkowii 'Lucky Number'
Crocus laevigatus
and Crocus versicolor
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerdk on February 09, 2011, 06:38:42 PM
Crocus tommasinianus appeared in an unexpected place near my home.
I have no idea who choose this ideal site for naturalizing.

Gerd
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 09, 2011, 06:49:26 PM
How nice to see Forumists with sunshine to open their crocus.  :D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 09, 2011, 07:02:43 PM
How nice to see Forumists with sunshine to open their crocus.  :D

Maggi,

we only had two days with sunshine on which day all Crocusses and reticulate Irisses opened up...tomorrow and the following days: overcast and rain :(
I'll just think: two days of sun are better than none at all.  ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 09, 2011, 07:49:23 PM
A few in flower here today.

Crocus corsicus 1
Crocus corsicus
Crocus sieberi Ronald Ginns
Crocus sieberi Ronald Ginns
Crocus veluchensis
Crocus veluchensis
Crocus versicolour
Crocus versicolour
Crocus sieberi subsp sublimis f. tricolour
Crocus cvijicii
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 09, 2011, 07:49:52 PM
Lovely displays Wim, Gerd and Dirk. A real dreich day here today and similar promised for the rest of the week. Not good for Crocuses at all


PS: and Michael too.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 09, 2011, 07:50:57 PM
Opinions on those with ? please.

Crocus ? Mt Parnassus
Crocus abantensis
Crocus scepusiensis var Leucostigma ?
Crocus sieberi subsp atticus  ?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 09, 2011, 08:03:54 PM
David.... very impressed with the correct use of "dreich"  :D ;)


 Michael .... a few? You've masses of 'em!  You've all got lots out! lovely!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 09, 2011, 08:09:46 PM
David.... very impressed with the correct use of "dreich"  :D ;)
 

It's the Scottish blood in the family that does it ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 09, 2011, 08:16:58 PM
Tony,

your Roadside hybrid is wonderful.

And Michael,
that is an impressive display.  Your C. cvijicii is my favorite.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 09, 2011, 09:02:27 PM
A few in flower here today.
Crocus corsicus 1
Crocus corsicus

Lovely crocus collection Michael! 8)

Looking at your pot of C. corsicus it seems to be mixed with C. etruscus 'Zwanenburg'.
At least I've newer saw such unstriped corsicus. I'm wrong?
Would like to know other croconuts opinion, please.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 09, 2011, 09:25:14 PM
Armin, would you believe I didn't notice that until you pointed it out,too busy editing and trying to post so many pics.( and baby sitting grandchildren). I have just checked the source and it would not be one of the more reliable ones,so your opinion is probably correct.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 09, 2011, 09:32:03 PM
Armin, would you believe I didn't notice that until you pointed it out,too busy editing and trying to post so many pics.( and baby sitting grandchildren). I have just checked the source and it would not be one of the more reliable ones,so your opinion is probably correct.
Thanks.
I didn't notice that either......... too busy wishing we had a scent button..... :)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 09, 2011, 09:35:36 PM
A nice pink tom seedling in the garden, open in yesterday's sunshine. I keep selecting good seedlings to bulk up in pots but every year I find more.

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 09, 2011, 09:41:49 PM
Not sure if this is a pure heufellianus self-sown seedling or if it's got some tom blood in it. Nice though.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 09, 2011, 09:44:39 PM
Nice baby-pink tom.

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 09, 2011, 09:56:33 PM
Armin, would you believe I didn't notice that until you pointed it out,too busy editing and trying to post so many pics.( and baby sitting grandchildren). I have just checked the source and it would not be one of the more reliable ones,so your opinion is probably correct.
Thanks.

Michael,
lets wait what other croconuts state.
Further I'm also a bit doubtful of your C. veluchensis. I wonder about the white edges of the tepals, never saw that feature on a C. veluchensis,too.
Is the bracteole visible? If not - I assume it is a C. vernus...
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 09, 2011, 10:14:11 PM
Opinions on those with ? please.

Crocus ? Mt Parnassus
Crocus abantensis
Crocus scepusiensis var Leucostigma ?
Crocus sieberi subsp atticus  ?

Michael,
1) I would go for C. atticus. Is it seed raised?
Your form has quite rounded tepals and almost no darker tips.
But check for equal lenght of bract & bracteole and for glabrous/pubescent throat.
2) yes, but unfortunately lacks the style
3) maybe - check for the white style when flower is open.
4) yes, atticus. Why do you doubt?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 09, 2011, 10:17:27 PM
Some Crocusses which flowered here in the last couple of days:

Crocus alatavicus
2 x Crocus antalyensis 'Sky Blue'
Crocus chrysanthus 'Uschak Orange'
Crocus dalmaticus 'Petrovac'
2 x Crocux fleischeri 'Gulek Pass'
Crocus korolkowii 'Lucky Number'
Crocus laevigatus
and Crocus versicolor

Wow Wim!  8) :o
You realy bring sunshine! Fine collection.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 09, 2011, 10:22:37 PM
Crocus tommasinianus appeared in an unexpected place near my home.
I have no idea who choose this ideal site for naturalizing.
Gerd

Hi Gerd,
I'm glad to see spring begins in NRW with such fine tommies in your neighborhood.
Nature seems to be about 1 week ahead of here... :P
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 09, 2011, 10:25:52 PM
Thanks Armin. Yes no 1 is seed raised, and no 4 I lost the label and just wanted confirmation as I am  only a recent convert to the croconuts. :) Will check the others when it is light tomorrow.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 09, 2011, 10:30:01 PM
A nice pink tom seedling in the garden, open in yesterday's sunshine. I keep selecting good seedlings to bulk up in pots but every year I find more.

Martin,
nice 'pinkies'. They can compete with cv. Roseus.
Do you still have your unusual pink marbled tommie?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: johnw on February 09, 2011, 10:32:40 PM
A nice pink tom seedling in the garden, open in yesterday's sunshine. I keep selecting good seedlings to bulk up in pots but every year I find more.

Lovely pink toms and baby toms Martin.

johnw
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 09, 2011, 10:58:19 PM
A nice pink tom seedling in the garden, open in yesterday's sunshine. I keep selecting good seedlings to bulk up in pots but every year I find more.

Martin,
nice 'pinkies'. They can compete with cv. Roseus.
Do you still have your unusual pink marbled tommie?

Yes, just the one corm still. I'm raising seedlings from it to see if the marbling/speckling is genetic and passes to the offspring.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 10, 2011, 05:52:32 AM
A few in flower here today.

Crocus corsicus 1
Crocus corsicus


Don't like corsicus! (front plants without stripes)
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 10, 2011, 05:53:46 AM
Opinions on those with ? please.
Crocus scepusiensis var Leucostigma ?
?

Can't see stigma! Must be white or whitish.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 10, 2011, 10:16:30 AM
Thanks Armin and Janis, the Corsicus imposter's are now in the bin,
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerdk on February 10, 2011, 01:13:05 PM
Crocus tommasinianus appeared in an unexpected place near my home.
I have no idea who choose this ideal site for naturalizing.
Gerd

Hi Gerd,
I'm glad to see spring begins in NRW with such fine tommies in your neighborhood.
Nature seems to be about 1 week ahead of here... :P

Thank you Armin - you surely know, we in the north are always superior ( :P)

Gerd
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 10, 2011, 04:11:06 PM
Gerd,
I know ;D But as the saying goes: 'It's nice to be a 'Preiss' but it is higher to be a 'Bayer' ;) ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 10, 2011, 05:32:50 PM
Two days ago I made a few picture in my garden which I like to share here.
The first one is very rare and unusual striped form of adamii for my location. The second and thirt one are standart forms of adamii by my selection
  C. biflorus subsp. adamii
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: udo on February 10, 2011, 05:40:34 PM
Ibrahim, nice Crocus biflorus ssp.adamii.
Here my last pictures, before the winter comes back:
Cr.adanensis
    bornmuelleri
    kerndorffiorum, in the middle from the pot
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 10, 2011, 06:01:05 PM
  Thank you very much Dirk not as much as yours!
Here is my C. biflorus subsp. biflorus selections. We see always striped forms of subsp. biflorus but my favorite is more speckled forms and speckled forms are more common here on wild and I suppose they are more vigorous too.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: art600 on February 10, 2011, 06:04:07 PM
Ibrahim

I agree with you that the speckled forms are best.  The speckled form of melantherus is a particular favourite.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 10, 2011, 06:31:24 PM
  Here are some more pics from my garden. Sorry about low quality of resized pics.
C. biflorus nubigena (nines are stained dark outer pedals while usualy striped)
C. biflorus alexandrii (very light speckled turkish forms no selected)
C. ancyrensis (Abant)
C. antalyensis (from northern turkey mine has pale style)
C. antalyensis (from Fethiye where should be subsp. striatus but mine has yellow style)

 
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 10, 2011, 06:43:04 PM
Excellent pictures, Ibrahim. Hope you will have some flowers when I will visit you after few weeks.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 10, 2011, 06:55:51 PM
  I hope too Janis. This year they they are in flower earlier then normal even my olivieri start to flower! normaly they flower in mart!.
  Here are my C. candidus selections.
 
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 10, 2011, 07:01:05 PM
Some Crocusses which flowered here in the last couple of days:

Crocus alatavicus
2 x Crocus antalyensis 'Sky Blue'
Crocus chrysanthus 'Uschak Orange'
Crocus dalmaticus 'Petrovac'
2 x Crocux fleischeri 'Gulek Pass'
Crocus korolkowii 'Lucky Number'
Crocus laevigatus
and Crocus versicolor

Wow Wim!  8) :o
You realy bring sunshine! Fine collection.

Thanks Armin,

I were all the Croconuts on this forum who made me go Croconut too  ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 10, 2011, 07:17:06 PM
Gerd,
I know ;D But as the saying goes: 'It's nice to be a 'Preiss' but it is higher to be a 'Bayer' ;) ;D

Armin this is a piece of German culture you must explain to us please.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 10, 2011, 07:19:09 PM
Ibrahim, you have a very nice collection.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 10, 2011, 07:23:41 PM
 Here are some more from this week. The species which has broad leaves they grow wery well in my conditions open garden. The species which enter with leaves to winther they also grow very well.
 My yellow serie.
C. olivieri olivieri
C. olivieri istanbulensis
C. olivieri olivieri albino
C. x paulinea
C. flavus flavus (big flowers and very goog growing)
C. flavus dissectus

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 10, 2011, 07:26:45 PM
Ibrahim,
adoring species and images. I like your rare striped form of ssp. adamii and ssp. biflorus 'Albino'. Wow!
Does the striped ssp. adamii have a yellow center as the other samples too?
Also I find it interesting the prominent blackish anther tips in one of the ssp. alexandrii.

Dirk,
I hope the predicted colder temperatures will be only for a short time. It would be sad if all your great croci shots wither without blossom and pollination. :'(

Wim,
good to know the croconut fever cannot be stopped! ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 10, 2011, 07:51:20 PM
Amazing pictures Ibrahim !
Thanks so much for sharing them ! :D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on February 10, 2011, 07:54:25 PM
Fantastic Ibrahim . Enjoy your pictures ! But not only enjoy ....also learn...
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 10, 2011, 07:55:17 PM
Such pictures, Ibrahim! 8) A joy  and also  an education, as Kris says.
The albino C. olivieri is sublime.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 10, 2011, 09:14:37 PM
Gerd,
I know ;D But as the saying goes: 'It's nice to be a 'Preiss' but it is higher to be a 'Bayer' ;) ;D

Armin this is a piece of German culture you must explain to us please.

David,
I will try to explain the saying in the context of the complex German history.
'Preiss' is the bavarian idiom for a Prussian, 'Bayer'= Bavarian.
Historical, both german tribes had always/many times rivalities/were even enemies.
Those rivalities go back to 1871 (and before) when the 'Second German Reich' was founded and lead by the prussian chancellor Otto von Bismarck. At that time Bavaria was prout of being a Kingdom but the imperial Germany was dominated by the Prussians.

The saying is simple that it is fine to origine from Prussians (northern Germany) but it is something special to be a Bavarian (South Germany). ;D
Such rivalities continue to live in silly jingles until today :)

For those interested in the serious historical details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Empire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Empire)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 10, 2011, 09:26:08 PM
Ibrahim - super plants, superb pictures.  You are having more sunshine than we are!  I did manage to grab 10 minutes on the only fine day this week (in my 'lunch break', between taking one overtired child to school late and picking up the other one who was unwell :P)

These roadside hybrids originate from massive planting of common spring crocus.  There are many subtle variations.  Here are some of this weeks finest starting with one I showed earlier from a different angle and to show how large the flower is :)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 10, 2011, 09:31:08 PM
You amaze me with these every year Tony !!
Super hybrids - I hope you'll be able to show us more  :o
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 10, 2011, 09:34:23 PM
Tony,
super images - but where is 'Roadside Silver'? ::) :D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 10, 2011, 10:08:07 PM
 Thank you very much for all your nice compliments...

 Armin, yes my C. biflorus adamii striped has yellow throath and according my own experience, on wild many subsp. of biflorus, chrysanthus and danfordiae have these black lobes.

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Graeme Strachan on February 10, 2011, 11:01:01 PM
I grow my crocuses outside in pots and my first to show this year were crocus reticulatus. Today it was sunny in Aberdeen and I rushed back from work to see if they had opened, however by the time I got home they were in the shade and didn’t look as if they had opened. I decided to take matters into my own hands and took them inside where they opened up. Below are my first of the season.

           Graeme Strachan
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 11, 2011, 12:47:05 AM
Ibrahim - super plants, superb pictures.  You are having more sunshine than we are!  I did manage to grab 10 minutes on the only fine day this week (in my 'lunch break', between taking one overtired child to school late and picking up the other one who was unwell :P)

These roadside hybrids originate from massive planting of common spring crocus.  There are many subtle variations.  Here are some of this weeks finest starting with one I showed earlier from a different angle and to show how large the flower is :)

Tony, that "Roadside Gold" is superb! One that really should be rescued from the roadside and bulked up for distribution to fellow croconuts. It's just too good to leave there to survive or not.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: arilnut on February 11, 2011, 01:47:16 AM
Hi friends. Janis's book came today.   Yahooooooooooooooo.
Check the  Weather-Winter 2011 thread and you will see I should
have plenty of time to read.  ;)

John B
Kansas  USA
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 11, 2011, 07:06:35 AM
Ibrahim,

you've shown some wonderful Crocusses.

They are all very nice but I like C. candidus 'Orangino', C. olivieri olivieri albino and C. x paulinea the most. Thanks for showing.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 11, 2011, 07:08:37 AM
Ibrahim - super plants, superb pictures.  You are having more sunshine than we are!  I did manage to grab 10 minutes on the only fine day this week (in my 'lunch break', between taking one overtired child to school late and picking up the other one who was unwell :P)

These roadside hybrids originate from massive planting of common spring crocus.  There are many subtle variations.  Here are some of this weeks finest starting with one I showed earlier from a different angle and to show how large the flower is :)

Tony,

they are simply stunning. For me 'Roadside Bronze' and 'Roadside Gold' are the best.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 11, 2011, 07:10:04 AM
I grow my crocuses outside in pots and my first to show this year were crocus reticulatus. Today it was sunny in Aberdeen and I rushed back from work to see if they had opened, however by the time I got home they were in the shade and didn’t look as if they had opened. I decided to take matters into my own hands and took them inside where they opened up. Below are my first of the season.

           Graeme Strachan


Graeme, such wonderful C. reticulatus!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 11, 2011, 09:41:13 AM
Gerd,
I know ;D But as the saying goes: 'It's nice to be a 'Preiss' but it is higher to be a 'Bayer' ;) ;D

Armin this is a piece of German culture you must explain to us please.

David,
I will try to explain the saying in the context of the complex German history.
'Preiss' is the bavarian idiom for a Prussian, 'Bayer'= Bavarian.
Historical, both german tribes had always/many times rivalities/were even enemies.
Those rivalities go back to 1871 (and before) when the 'Second German Reich' was founded and lead by the prussian chancellor Otto von Bismarck. At that time Bavaria was prout of being a Kingdom but the imperial Germany was dominated by the Prussians.

The saying is simple that it is fine to origine from Prussians (northern Germany) but it is something special to be a Bavarian (South Germany). ;D
Such rivalities continue to live in silly jingles until today :)

For those interested in the serious historical details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Empire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Empire)

Many thanks Armin, I understand and shall read more.

So, I am the English equivalent of a born Prussian living in Bavaria
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 11, 2011, 10:09:49 AM
Ibrahim a lovely selection thanks for sharing. I liked the biflorus variants
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 11, 2011, 11:28:16 AM
So, I am the English equivalent of a born Prussian living in Bavaria
Oh, goodness! - this job is a real challenge ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 11, 2011, 01:19:33 PM
  I wish to post some pics also taken two day ago in my gargden.
C. fleischeri (this my best form from Civril)
C. danfordiae (yellow form this seems alittle biger than white form)
C. danfordiae (two frames for compare with finger and honey bee) as big as half size of bee!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 11, 2011, 01:42:27 PM
Crocus sieberi George.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 11, 2011, 01:55:29 PM
  Michael, this is a very nice one in color and shape!
Maybe the best one!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 11, 2011, 02:49:51 PM
  Here are a couple of my crewii selections.
The first one is speckled form top view
The second one is my special find, While all the crewii forms on wild are speckled and striped this one has quite dark brownish violet outer petals with creamy white edge. I found this last year amoung a crewii location by walking severel hours, only in one metr square severel samples!. They might be also some stable mutation first I must grow this one from seed also than to see what it will give me!
I don't know what to call maybe 'Hot Chocolate' or 'Turkish Coffee' :)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: art600 on February 11, 2011, 03:19:03 PM
Ibrahim

I hope you have lots more to show us.

I have not been very successful, so far, with crewei and now you show this outstanding form.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: TheOnionMan on February 11, 2011, 03:19:53 PM
Here are a couple of my crewii selections.
The second one is my special find, While all the crewii forms on wild are speckled and striped this one has quite dark brownish violet outer petals with creamy white edge. I found this last year amoung a crewii location by walking severel hours, only in one metr square severel samples!. They might be also some stable mutation first I must grow this one from seed also than to see what it will give me!
I don't know what to call maybe 'Hot Chocolate' or 'Turkis Coffee' :)


Ibrahim, oh my! 
Absolutely love "Hot Chocolate" (Maggi should like this one too), exquisite coloration highlighted with black anthers :o :o :o
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 11, 2011, 03:40:01 PM
Michael,

that 'George' is very nice.

Ibrahim,

I like the small C. danfordiae (it looks so very precious)
And your C. crewii 'Hot Chocolate' (I vote for that name ;)) is just stunning.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 11, 2011, 03:41:36 PM
I grow my crocuses outside in pots and my first to show this year were crocus reticulatus. Today it was sunny in Aberdeen and I rushed back from work to see if they had opened, however by the time I got home they were in the shade and didn’t look as if they had opened. I decided to take matters into my own hands and took them inside where they opened up. Below are my first of the season.
Graeme Strachan

Graeme,
very nice form and a pot ful. 8) I would be happy mine in the garden would bulk up and flower one day like yours! :P
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 11, 2011, 03:51:54 PM
Michael,
congratulation for the excellent growth and photos of 'George'. Simply 'amazing' :o

Ibrahim,
you outpace yourself from posting to posting. Wow! :o 8)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Graeme Strachan on February 11, 2011, 04:50:41 PM
Quote
Graeme, such wonderful C. reticulatus!
Quote
very nice form and a pot ful.  I would be happy mine in the garden would bulk up and flower one day like yours! 
WimB and Armin - Thank you They are certainly floriforous - Fourteen flowers from 3 corms can be seen so far.

                  Graeme
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 11, 2011, 05:29:12 PM
Quote
Graeme, such wonderful C. reticulatus!
Quote
very nice form and a pot ful.  I would be happy mine in the garden would bulk up and flower one day like yours! 
WimB and Armin - Thank you They are certainly floriforous - Fourteen flowers from 3 corms can be seen so far.

                  Graeme
Show me the snowdrop that can equal that level of flower power!  ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Graham Catlow on February 11, 2011, 06:23:48 PM
Crocus sieberi George.

Michael, that is wonderful. I don't suppose it's generally available is it?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 11, 2011, 06:34:22 PM
Graham,I got that one from Janis,it is in the 2011 catalogue.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 11, 2011, 11:59:37 PM
Two pics of Crocus biflorus ssp melatherus 'spring flowering form'.  Collected as seed 11 years ago by Steeve Keeble, this form always flowers after Christmas with the early spring crocus.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 12, 2011, 12:14:19 AM
Some Crocus sieberi.  I notice 'George' is a fine new cultivar which I must obtain.  This species has many variations all of which do well here.  Raising them from home produced seed only serves to increase the variety.
It has not been a good spring for crocus here.  Sun has been in very short supply while the mild weather has encouraged rather lax growth, flowers tending to flop.  I have had to water too, usually the pots get a good pre-Christmas soaking before being covered as the flowers start.  This winter it was so cold that I covered at the end of November and by mid January, after the thaw, things looked rather dry.  This week I removed the covers to let the rain give the pots a really thorough watering. 
Crocus sieberi ssp sieberi has almost infinite varaition in its purple outer markings, raising them from seed produces some oddities.  Here one is white with a slightly creamy outer petal while another has pale purple inner petals.
Crocus sieberi ssp atticus is not always as striking as the specimen illustrated.
Crocus sieberi ssp sublimis often produces large flowers with outers often slightly darker than inners.  These raised from seed collected by Marcus Harvey are similar to those found on Mt Parnassos.  They have a passing resemblance to C vernus but the yellow throat makes this a sieberi.
Crocus sieberi ssp nivalis has proved elusive here.  I am not sure that I have ever grown the real thing.  This seedling from home seed bears the name but is a sieberi hybrid.  It is twice the size of most of my sieberi flowers and unusually coloured.  I wonder if the others in the pot are the same ... and will it be as good next year?!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 12, 2011, 03:18:47 PM
Tony, very nice and colorfull sieberi forms. I also afraid from hibritation because there are lots of honey bees are flying all arounds. I am thinking to cover with a net, with a tag forbidden to bees! 
  But some times I wish to see the variations of specieses too.
 
  Here a few pics from wild taken this week.
C. biflorus adamii top view.
C. biflorus alexandrii some interesting forms
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 12, 2011, 03:48:42 PM
  Here is my C. biflorus puctatus or what I think It is!
It is very lightly speckled and a creamy view. It is not from known punctatus location but from same region.

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 12, 2011, 05:08:18 PM
Lovely pics Tony and Ibrahim.

One of mine-Crocus biflorus 'Fairy'-just short of a bit of sun to open it.

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 12, 2011, 05:56:09 PM
David,
a very nice clump of C. biflorus 'Fairy' ;)  :D
Is the blue taint really such strong ? - I have it more paler in memory.

Ibrahim,
the variation of ssp. alexandrii is quite interesting and surprising.
I wouldn't hold off any bees from cross pollination. The more seeds the more nice hybrid surprise one can expect a couple of years later.

TonyG,
lovely sieberi ssp. . The atticus is my personal favourite - perfect flower, strong orange-yellow center and nicely fine lines inside!
The spring flowering C. biflorus ssp. melantherus is very beautiful feathered!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Alex on February 12, 2011, 07:28:56 PM
Some Crocus form the greenhouse today: Crocus paschei, C. aerius, C. heuffelianus 'Carpathian Wonder' and a C. cvijicii which has caught the sun to give a rather nice effect, I think.

Cheers,

Alex
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 12, 2011, 11:55:00 PM
 Alex, wonderfull crocuses! specialy C. heuffelianus.

 Here is a crocus which surprised me completely! I found this two years ago but that time the weather was awfull the flowers were closed and couldn't made picture. Last year also they did not flower but this year when I see them I couldn't believe to my eyes.  :o :o
  I will try to explain why but I wish to see the idea of other crocus experts...
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 13, 2011, 10:22:00 AM
David,
a very nice clump of C. biflorus 'Fairy' ;)  :D
Is the blue taint really such strong ? - I have it more paler in memory.


Ooops. Thanks for that Armin, that's what it says on the label too.  ;D I will do a quick bit of editing.

The blue colour is quite deep particularly on the less well developed flowers.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 13, 2011, 02:36:01 PM
From yesterday today is pretty miserable here rain and cold

C antalyensis
C malyi
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 13, 2011, 05:37:47 PM
Ibrahim,
very unusual C. biflorus with white stigma, white throat :D.
In the first view it resembles strongly ssp. weldenii but the leaves are too long and quite broad...
Is this the species Janis mentions in his new crocus book? Maybe ssp. alexandrii ?
From where is it collected?

Ian,
very nice antalyensis. Does it set seed ?

David,
it was me a pleasure. If you get any excess of 'Fairy' corms or seed I would be glad to receive one for my garden.
Very nice from.

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 13, 2011, 07:09:38 PM

David,
it was me a pleasure. If you get any excess of 'Fairy' corms or seed I would be glad to receive one for my garden.
Very nice from.


Armin, I have made a note.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 13, 2011, 07:14:35 PM
Ibrahim,
very unusual C. biflorus with white stigma, white throat :D.
In the first view it resembles strongly ssp. weldenii but the leaves are too long and quite broad...
Is this the species Janis mentions in his new crocus book? Maybe ssp. alexandrii ?
From where is it collected

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 13, 2011, 07:16:36 PM
Armin, yes in size it is very close to my C. biflorus alexandrii but it has white stigmas and quite different corner of Turkey from then my C. biflorus alexandrii. At the moment I believe it is thirt biflorus with white throat (after alexandrii and weldenii)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 13, 2011, 07:27:37 PM
  Armin I can post two mor pictures for compare leaves and flowers.
First one is taken wild 2009
Second is taken garden 2011

and this is not that the Janis mentions in his new crocus book?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ashley on February 13, 2011, 07:46:03 PM
Fine plants everyone 8)   

A few more enjoying the sunshine here today:

C. biflorus adamii Armenian form, from Janis
C. heuffelianus 'Snow Princess', from Dirk
C. 'Rainbow Gold' (C. veluchensis x cvijicii) (x2), from Dirk
C. korolkowii 'Yellow Tiger'
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 13, 2011, 07:52:38 PM
So many wonderful Crocus... but I have to mention C. 'Rainbow Gold' (C. veluchensis x cvijicii) - an interesting hybrid and a most unusual colouring.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 13, 2011, 08:31:57 PM
Ibrahim,

Ian,
very nice antalyensis. Does it set seed ?




Armin not last year but I am trying. If I get seed set would you like some?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: BULBISSIME on February 13, 2011, 09:32:07 PM
Time for Crocus also in Corsica, with many C. minimus
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 13, 2011, 10:22:54 PM
Beautiful stuff Fred !  :o
These hybrids from Dirk are astonishing plants Ashley !!  Beautiful !
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 13, 2011, 11:00:01 PM
Ashley

that hybrid is super,I managed to get seed of that cross last year from my plants and it is germinating so I can look forward to the results.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 13, 2011, 11:04:49 PM
Time for Crocus also in Corsica, with many C. minimus
Great pictures of these crocus in the wild.  No6 is very special :)  No4 looks a bit like some forms of C Corsicus that I grow.  As you have seen these plants in the wild what are your views on C corsicus and C minimus?  Are they really distinct species?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 14, 2011, 07:25:12 AM
Fine plants everyone 8)   

A few more enjoying the sunshine here today:

C. biflorus adamii Armenian form, from Janis
C. heuffelianus 'Snow Princess', from Dirk
C. 'Rainbow Gold' (C. veluchensis x cvijicii) (x2), from Dirk
C. korolkowii 'Yellow Tiger'


So many wonderful Crocus... but I have to mention C. 'Rainbow Gold' (C. veluchensis x cvijicii) - an interesting hybrid and a most unusual colouring.

I have to agree with Maggi completely. That C. 'Rainbow Gold' is one of the most beautiful Crocusses I have ever seen.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 14, 2011, 07:30:50 AM
and this is not that the Janis mentions in his new crocus book?

No. I didn't know about this one when I wrote my book. My first idea that it could be albino form of some subspecies, but too little is known from pictures. Must to see in vivo.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 14, 2011, 07:38:17 AM
Time for Crocus also in Corsica, with many C. minimus

Fantastic! All pictures from wild, I suppose? Especially like #2 and the last.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 14, 2011, 07:41:37 AM
C corsicus and C minimus?  Are they really distinct species?

Tony, not difficult to separate. At first size of flowers, but it is relative. All doubts disappear when compare corm tunics - in corsicus netted at apex, in minimus parallely fibrous throughout.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerry Webster on February 14, 2011, 12:17:30 PM
C corsicus and C minimus?  Are they really distinct species?

Tony, not difficult to separate. At first size of flowers, but it is relative. All doubts disappear when compare corm tunics - in corsicus netted at apex, in minimus parallely fibrous throughout.
Janis
It seems that at least one author has not been  convinced that they are completely distinct.
According to the RBG Kew Checklist,
Crocus minimus subvar. corsicus (Vanucchi) Nyman, Consp. Fl. Eur.: 707 (1882)
is a synonym for C. corsicus (Vanucchi).
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 14, 2011, 12:44:11 PM
A couple from the greenhouse today before the heavens opened-again!

Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns'

A little Crocus vernus from Tony Willis in 2008, thank you Tony.



Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 14, 2011, 01:22:49 PM
David

I am pleased to see it in flower

Crocus cvijicii first time this pot has flowered so I am pleased with it.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 14, 2011, 02:38:03 PM

It seems that at least one author has not been  convinced that they are completely distinct.
According to the RBG Kew Checklist,
Crocus minimus subvar. corsicus (Vanucchi) Nyman, Consp. Fl. Eur.: 707 (1882)
is a synonym for C. corsicus (Vanucchi).

See the year, when it was written (1882 !) and think about knowledge of Crocuses at that time.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerry Webster on February 14, 2011, 04:53:57 PM

It seems that at least one author has not been  convinced that they are completely distinct.
According to the RBG Kew Checklist,
Crocus minimus subvar. corsicus (Vanucchi) Nyman, Consp. Fl. Eur.: 707 (1882)
is a synonym for C. corsicus (Vanucchi).

See the year, when it was written (1882 !) and think about knowledge of Crocuses at that time.
Janis
My post was not intended to defend the view that there is no distinction but merely to draw attention to the fact that even after Maw made the distinction (in 1878) it appears that not everyone was convinced. It is true that subsequent cytological & phylogenetic studies seem to support Maw.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 14, 2011, 07:03:37 PM
Armin, yes in size it is very close to my C. biflorus alexandrii but it has white stigmas and quite different corner of Turkey from then my C. biflorus alexandrii. At the moment I believe it is thirt biflorus with white throat (after alexandrii and weldenii)
Ibrahim,
that would be a sensational matter. Keep my fingers crossed. Anyway the croci is a great find.

Quote
and this is not that the Janis mentions in his new crocus book?
No. I didn't know about this one when I wrote my book. My first idea that it could be albino form of some subspecies, but too little is known from pictures. Must to see in vivo.
Janis

Janis, thank you. It is a great pleasure to study your book.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 14, 2011, 07:08:00 PM
Ashley, Fred, David and Tony,
phantastic croci images from both greenhouse and wild.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 14, 2011, 08:04:10 PM
Just one today.

Crocus reticulatus x angustifolius early gold
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: art600 on February 14, 2011, 08:15:10 PM
Michael

Are your pots in a cold frame? or like Dirk's iris pots exposed to the elements.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 14, 2011, 08:22:28 PM
I bring them into a cold greenhouse at flowering time. Arthritis makes it difficult to bend down and takes pics when they are in the frame. Past my sell  by date. :)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: BULBISSIME on February 14, 2011, 08:49:31 PM
Yes Janis, all from wild.
This ones where at sea level and the C. corcicus places that I know are still too cold to flower, but in fact, it's really almsot impossible to distinct them with flowers: they are really similar, with some tall C. minimus, short C. corsicus, and even style color can be different between clones.....
I'll try to post corms pics later.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Melvyn Jope on February 14, 2011, 09:17:41 PM
Crocus sieberi from near Kastania Northern Greece brought out by todays sun.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 14, 2011, 09:32:55 PM
Crocus sieberi from near Kastania Northern Greece brought out by todays sun.
That is a very nice form - with such a pale throat and 'bicolor' petals.  Does Crocus veluchensis grow nearby?  It reminds me of the wild hybrid.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 14, 2011, 10:36:50 PM
Crocus sieberi from near Kastania Northern Greece brought out by todays sun.

Quite lovely, Melvyn.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 14, 2011, 11:37:30 PM
Crocus sieberi from near Kastania Northern Greece brought out by todays sun.
That is a very nice form - with such a pale throat and 'bicolor' petals.  Does Crocus veluchensis grow nearby?  It reminds me of the wild hybrid.

Very nice Melvyn,glad you had some sun.

Tony C.sieberi are quite variable all over Greece both in the amount of yellow in the throat and the markings of the petals and I have always found it difficult to find true C. veluchensis although I have seen it on Mt Olympus
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 15, 2011, 08:25:48 AM
Quite attractive Melvyn - a beauty !!

Two opened in the garden for me today :

1 & 2 : Crocus etruscus
3 & 4 : Crocus versicolor picturatus
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 15, 2011, 09:01:57 AM
Hello Luc,
nice croci. Does your 'Picturatus' have a yellow/orange center?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 15, 2011, 09:30:54 AM
Although few days ago I wrote that no more entries with pictures up to March - I'm breaking this promise. Here is the coldest days during this winter. Yesterday morning "greeted" us with minus 26 C, this morning even minus 28. Fortunately days are sunny and temperature at midday in greenhouses rises up to around zero, although outside still is minus 15-20 C. All beds are covered with glasswool sheets and it protects plants from both - night cold and days sun. Soil at present has only a pair mm thick frosen surface below cover. But yesterday I brought in 2 pots with most advanced crocuses and put them on my offices bathroom window. I covered pots with my fur cap during transport to home. After a pair of hours I felt as in parfume shop and flowers beautifully opened. Today I pictured them and here you can see those beauties after pollination today.
Crocus biflorus biflorus from Italy, Basilicata
and
Crocus baytopiorum.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ChrisB on February 15, 2011, 09:34:24 AM
They are beautiful Janis!  Here is a crocus named for you that is out in bloom (in my greenhouse) at the moment.  Grown in a pot in the cold frame.

Crocus reticulata x angustifolius 'Janis Ruksans'
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 15, 2011, 09:39:54 AM
Janis,
both are very lovely. I like the subsp. biflorus with the violet tint.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 15, 2011, 12:35:40 PM
Hello Luc,
nice croci. Does your 'Picturatus' have a yellow/orange center?
I'm thinking what you are thinking ....... I think it does ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 15, 2011, 03:18:07 PM
Hello Luc,
nice croci. Does your 'Picturatus' have a yellow/orange center?
I'm thinking what you are thinking ....... I think it does ;)

You're speaking in riddles gents !  :-\
It's a dull day here, flowers closed, but I think they have a yellowish not very pronounced center..
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 15, 2011, 03:25:27 PM
Luc,
I don't want to keep you longer in the dark. Your 'Picturatus' resemble cv. C. biflorus ssp. biflorus 'Parkinsonii'.
C. versicolor 'Picturatus' does not have any yellow center.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 15, 2011, 03:30:51 PM
It's a garden center acquisition from 10-15years ago Armin - I shouldn't be surprised if it's wrongly named I guess...  ::)
I'll check whenever the sun makes the flowers open, just to be sure.
Thanks for pointing it out !  :D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 15, 2011, 03:35:17 PM
I'm glad Armin and Tony stoppped the riddle speak.... they were sounding like Galanthophiles!  :-\
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 15, 2011, 03:38:55 PM
.... they were sounding like Galanthophiles!  :-\

Noooooooooooooooooooo we've got enough of those ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 15, 2011, 03:50:50 PM
I'm glad Armin and Tony stoppped the riddle speak.... they were sounding like Galanthophiles!  :-\
Such libellous comments  ;D ;D ;D  It was simple politeness.   I agree with Armin but the query was his and the answer was for Luc  :-*
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 15, 2011, 04:03:06 PM
Maggi,
croconuts are gentlemen!!! ;D
Thanks Tony ;)

Luc, for comparison. Should be easy now
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 15, 2011, 04:08:29 PM
Thanks Armin !  ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: art600 on February 15, 2011, 08:21:52 PM
Lucky Luc  :)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 16, 2011, 01:44:11 PM
Some more in flower today

Crocus vernus
Crocus biflorus ssp pulchricolor
Crocus sieberi in four different collections
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 16, 2011, 03:25:25 PM
Nice ones Tony I particularly like the sieberis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 17, 2011, 07:09:09 PM
Tony,
excellent variations in your the C. sieberi (now atticus?).

The white form of C. pulchricolor is beautiful. Does it have a nice yellow/orange center too?
Cvs. 'Ard Schenk' and 'Aubade' likely can't deny their perental type.

I like your striped C. vernus too. Do I see one of the possible remote ancestor of 'King of the Striped' on my monitor?
In case you get some seed surplus I would be glad to germinate and grow them in my garden,too.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: WimB on February 17, 2011, 07:14:04 PM
In flower here today:

Crocus abantensis and
Crocus sieberi subsp sublimis 'Tricolor'
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 17, 2011, 07:17:17 PM
In flower here today:

Crocus abantensis and
Crocus sieberi subsp sublimis 'Tricolor'
Excellent pictures (and plants, of course), Wim.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 17, 2011, 07:26:27 PM
The sun was present today !!

1 and 2 : obtained as Crocus corsicus.. but with a yellow throat ?!  ::)

3 and 4 : the above mentioned Crocus sieberii sublimis 'Tricolor'

5) Crocus etruscus... found by a snail  :(

6) Crocus biflorus ssp biflorus parkinsonii ( the troat is yellow, so not C. versicolor picturatus as Armin and TonyG pointed out !)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 17, 2011, 08:37:37 PM
Wim and Luc,

very nice images and obvious you had better weather then here.

Luc,
the C. corsicus is also very early in blossom (usual it is one of the last to flower). Maybe hybrid with C. imperati. But very beautiful.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 17, 2011, 10:18:47 PM
Not much sun or warm to open crocus here.  I visited my roadside friends yesterday and found a few more examples of the variable Gold Tip hybrids.  I start this show with a picture of some originals and three of the Gold Tip hybrids.  I am on the lookout for seedlings that show signs of clonal increase.  I did find a few that show some promise.  I also noted that there are some nice seedlings which are white with a purple back.  The one shown is not alone but in poor light it was the only one I got an in focus shot of.  One had almost complete purple reverse with white inside.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 18, 2011, 06:36:42 AM
The sun was present today !!

1 and 2 : obtained as Crocus corsicus.. but with a yellow throat ?!  ::)


Seem usual commercial hybrid distributed as C. corsicus (earlier sometimes even by me, too - without intention, of course - I'm learning all the time).
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 18, 2011, 06:40:24 AM
Not much sun or warm to open crocus here.  I visited my roadside friends yesterday and found a few more examples of the variable Gold Tip hybrids.  I start this show with a picture of some originals and three of the Gold Tip hybrids.  I am on the lookout for seedlings that show signs of clonal increase.  I did find a few that show some promise.  I also noted that there are some nice seedlings which are white with a purple back.  The one shown is not alone but in poor light it was the only one I got an in focus shot of.  One had almost complete purple reverse with white inside.

Especially like Gold-3. Planted in cultivated soil, receiving better conditions than in grass, it could start increasing. Found this with wild hybrids. Most of them are as single corm in wild, but introduced, cultivated, fertilized, watered etc. - they start to multiply.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 18, 2011, 08:43:14 AM
Thanks for the info Janis !  :)

Wonderful treasure hunt you've been having Tony - some really attractive babies in that lawn !!!
I hope you have another chance to go back when there's some sunshine.  8)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 19, 2011, 09:24:11 PM

Crocus chrysanthus Zenith.
Crocus chrysanthus nr Edesson
Crocus Heuffelianus  Dark eyes.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 19, 2011, 09:44:40 PM
I would say your crocus are lovely Michael, but I'm cheesed off by your '14 degrees today' boast in another thread... so I'm not saying anything  :-X
 we were safely in a show hall in Dunblane but it was a grim day here.... driving wind and rain, so there would have been no crocus open and smiling like yours here  :(
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 19, 2011, 09:46:36 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 19, 2011, 10:52:19 PM
I'm with Janis, Tony - especially like Gold 3 with the gold back and white edging. Would love to also see the inside (I assume it's white).
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 20, 2011, 12:24:37 AM
I'm with Janis, Tony - especially like Gold 3 with the gold back and white edging. Would love to also see the inside (I assume it's white).
Yes, white inside ... we have had just the one sunny day in the last fortnight and not much promise of more  :( :(  so I cannot offer hope of more pics.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 20, 2011, 12:30:24 AM

Crocus chrysanthus Zenith.
Crocus chrysanthus nr Edesson
Crocus Heuffelianus  Dark eyes.
Zenith - lovely
nr Edesson looks like C sieberi ssp sublimis  ..... where is Edesson?  Google does not help.  Edessa - Greece would point to sieberi.  Janis will offer advice I think.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 20, 2011, 09:01:03 AM
My last entry in February - next after two weeks, if someone will not be entered later today.
So - pot with Crocus michelsonii - brought in before two days for pollination. Flowers a little damaged as they developed below covering. They will stay on my cool bathrooms windowsill up to warmer days (outside at present minus 19 C), but how looks greenhouses from outside (my person entered for measurements - I'm 190 cm tall) and inside on following pictures.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 20, 2011, 10:32:50 AM
Sunshine opened flowers, so two more pictures made after pollination
Crocus michelsonii dark
and
Crocus michelsonii Odissey
Odissey pushed up flowers in December and so they made something toothed petals and were deformed below covering, but pollens looked very good - so both were intercrossed. Those both are from Turkmenian side of Kopet-Dag, collected during Soviet time. All my gatherings from Iran still are without buds, only shoot tips are out of soil.
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 20, 2011, 10:46:14 AM
Quote
nr Edesson looks like C sieberi ssp sublimis  ..... where is Edesson?  Google does not help.  Edessa - Greece would point to sieberi.  Janis will offer advice I think.

Tony, I had another look at the label and there is a ? after the name. I got the seed from Arthur Neville, and I have no idea where Edesson is, or indeed if that is the correct spelling. Sometimes I have difficulty in interperting other peoples writing and bad eyesite doesn't help. I would think that Edessa is probably correct and as you say,that would point to Sieberi.

cheers.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: annew on February 20, 2011, 12:07:49 PM
Should Carpathian Wonder be up by now? I'm worried.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 20, 2011, 12:25:56 PM
Yes, it is in flower here.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: bulborum on February 20, 2011, 02:32:14 PM
As far as I know never seen before
But tell me if I am wrong
Crocus corsicus  White Mountain
a pure white one with soft cream outside
I will post the outside later

Don't ask for bulbs I have only one
I thought I lost it
a mouse eat almost 2/3 of the bulb
the first winter
but with a lot of care it survived
and see it for the second time in flower
(the first time when I collected it)

Roland
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Janis Ruksans on February 20, 2011, 03:06:25 PM
As far as I know never seen before
But tell me if I am wrong
Crocus corsicus  White Mountain
a pure white one with soft cream outside
I will post the outside later

Don't ask for bulbs I have only one
I thought I lost it
a mouse eat almost 2/3 of the bulb
the first winter
but with a lot of care it survived
and see it for the second time in flower
(the first time when I collected it)

Roland

C. corsicus white form :  "There is a very beautiful pure white form with a golden shaded back on the outer segments" (I not remember at moment who informs about this, most likely Brian Mathew. Can't to check more. Now I cited by my own book).
Janis
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: bulborum on February 20, 2011, 03:10:17 PM
and the outside from Crocus corsicus White Mountain
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: bulborum on February 20, 2011, 03:16:42 PM
I found this one in-between loads of normal ones
on top of a mountain
and it has also crčme (I don't want to call this golden) outer petals

I found also an almost white one with some soft pink veins
on the outer petals

Roland
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerry Webster on February 20, 2011, 03:20:06 PM
As far as I know never seen before
But tell me if I am wrong
Crocus corsicus  White Mountain
a pure white one with soft cream outside
I will post the outside later

Don't ask for bulbs I have only one
I thought I lost it
a mouse eat almost 2/3 of the bulb
the first winter
but with a lot of care it survived
and see it for the second time in flower
(the first time when I collected it)

Roland

C. corsicus white form :  "There is a very beautiful pure white form with a golden shaded back on the outer segments" (I not remember at moment who informs about this, most likely Brian Mathew. Can't to check more. Now I cited by my own book).
Janis
Mathew (p38) refers to albino forms. I had such a plant many years ago from Elizabeth Strangman (Washfield Nursery) which came originally from Bob Wallis; Rannveig occasionally lists it. About 6 years ago, during a period of illness, I lost my entire stock (I can't remember how many I had) apart from one tiny cormlet which has only now reached flowering size again. Although attractive, it does not seem to be a vigorous plant.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: alpinelover on February 20, 2011, 09:19:24 PM
Crocus 'advance' in good company.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 20, 2011, 09:31:51 PM
Anne mine aren't up either  :'(
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 20, 2011, 11:12:12 PM
white corsicus:
Mathew (p38) refers to albino forms. I had such a plant many years ago from Elizabeth Strangman (Washfield Nursery) which came originally from Bob Wallis; Rannveig occasionally lists it. About 6 years ago, during a period of illness, I lost my entire stock (I can't remember how many I had) apart from one tiny cormlet which has only now reached flowering size again. Although attractive, it does not seem to be a vigorous plant.
I have the same plant - definitely not vigorous!  Still just the one corm and does not always flower.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 21, 2011, 12:18:33 PM
  Here is my C. biflorus isauricus. It was a trophy for me around Akseki from a summer holiday. It was only a small baby corm.  After two years it shows its best. I want to know that is this acceptabe as a pure isauricus? Because the outside of petals look something paler speckled.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: bulborum on February 21, 2011, 04:13:29 PM
So I hope my white Crocus corsicus
is a better grower as the other collection
sure the almost white one has a nicer shape
I will see for next year if it grows better
Gerry has your white one more Golden petals as mine

Roland
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerry Webster on February 21, 2011, 04:43:20 PM
So I hope my white Crocus corsicus
is a better grower as the other collection
sure the almost white one has a nicer shape
I will see for next year if it grows better
Gerry has your white one more Golden petals as mine
Roland
Roland - my plant is very like yours - pure white inside & creamy outside. The weather here is too dull & grey to get a decent photo.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: bulborum on February 21, 2011, 04:58:18 PM
so not as Janis describes as
a pure white form with a golden shaded back on the outer segments
there must be an other collection
or the description where Janis got his information from
is a little to excessive

Roland
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 23, 2011, 12:12:57 AM
  Here is my C. biflorus isauricus. It was a trophy for me around Akseki from a summer holiday. It was only a small baby corm.  After two years it shows its best. I want to know that is this acceptabe as a pure isauricus? Because the outside of petals look something paler speckled.

I have seen many different plants in cultivation under this name! 
I did once raise some from wild seed which had striped, feathered and speckled outer petals, some like yours, all from same seed collection.  They must be variable in the wild but I doubt if all the plants I have under this name are correct :P
Janis will know much more.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 23, 2011, 08:45:19 AM
  Tony, thank you very much for your interest, I am sure this is a isauricus but I doubt if there is any chrysanthus blood in. Because this sample I had just a single baby corm!.
  I think the leave numbers, wideness and color...  is more usefull for identification then the petals and colors of flowers.
  Here is another sample which taken in a garden last year. It Is very close to mine just a darker one. This one should be a selected form.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: daveyp1970 on February 23, 2011, 02:02:03 PM
I know this person who is selling this is dodgy but is there really such a thing http://cgi.ebay.ie/Crocus-sp-apulien-/270710607623?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item3f079c0f07#ht_500wt_949
I'm not advertising this person I'd just like to make that point clear.
Maggie i didn't know where to put this,move it if you need to.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerry Webster on February 23, 2011, 02:12:27 PM
I know this person who is selling this is dodgy but is there really such a thing http://cgi.ebay.ie/Crocus-sp-apulien-/270710607623?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item3f079c0f07#ht_500wt_949
I'm not advertising this person I'd just like to make that point clear.
Maggie i didn't know where to put this,move it if you need to.
I wonder how he has done this? I see there are red stains on the leaves.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: I.S. on February 23, 2011, 02:22:55 PM
  This is more real...isn't it!
C. ancyrensis.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 23, 2011, 03:19:28 PM
There are Crocus which come  from the area of Apulia, Davey, such as the endemic autumn flowering Crocus thomasii.... but if any of them look like that then I am Gina Lollobrigida.  ;)

 I really would avoid this person and their sales like the plague  :-X :P
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerry Webster on February 23, 2011, 03:41:02 PM
There are Crocus which come  from the area of Apulia, Davey, such as the endemic autumn flowering Crocus thomasii.... but if any of them look like that then I am Gina Lollobrigida.  ;)

 I really would avoid this person and their sales like the plague  :-X :P
Gina - the lady commemorated by a lettuce. Now there's fame.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: daveyp1970 on February 23, 2011, 03:54:08 PM
Maggie Gina Lollobrigida  ;D ;D ;D I'd say your better(crawl),the reason why posted is:
1 being new to crocus wasn't sure if there was a new red crocus.
2 Just high-lighting this person to the croconuts because they might not of seen the thread on snowdrops.To invent a new plant to science well this person will do anything.
3 I agree everybody stay clear of this person it will only end in tears.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 23, 2011, 04:46:57 PM
Today was Crocus day in my garden. All were open. The shocker was the stunning Rainbow Gold  :o

Fantasy looks like Yalta ??? My Fantasy has clean creamy outers and bright purple inners. Weird fantasy LOL
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 23, 2011, 10:01:51 PM
I nearly fell in to my holding area when I spotted C. heuff. Snow Princess while giving a liquid to the Crocus.

My camera hates the colours of Rainbow Gold so sadly no photo. I'll try again tomorrow

Fantasy or Yalta?

An albino of what? I have shown it a few times but this year is by far the best
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Kasun A on February 23, 2011, 10:09:39 PM
Dear All,

today morning was foggy n luckily afternoon some sun,
this is the first year of my crocus experminetal garden ;
happy to have some experts comments,

thank you
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 23, 2011, 10:32:33 PM
Hi Kasun,
 Your crocus garden seems to be progressing wery well.  8)
 I love to see the variation it the size shape and colours... Crocus is such a great genus!


I have resized your photos to be a maximum of 760 pixels wide so ther are easier to see  on screen.
 ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 23, 2011, 10:33:01 PM
Kasun

they look lovely,what are you growing them in or is that just top dressing on your bed and where are they Holland or France?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Kasun A on February 23, 2011, 10:37:44 PM
Dear Ms Maggi,

Thank you for resizing them ( i have trouble with it still )

they are from france,,,

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 23, 2011, 10:41:49 PM
Dear Ms Maggi,

Thank you for resizing them ( i have trouble with it still )

they are from france,,,


You are most welcome!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Kasun A on February 23, 2011, 10:48:14 PM
tony,

i plant them in plastic pots and top cover about 2cm sand and above that wood chips as mulch during the winter
cause hier in france (aubin Midi Pyrenees ) we had  -10 C..and still i dont know really the climate zone
cause hier in this area having microclimate but i guess we are in Hardiness zone 7
 
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 24, 2011, 01:00:25 AM
Dear All,

today morning was foggy n luckily afternoon some sun,
this is the first year of my crocus experminetal garden ;
happy to have some experts comments,

thank you


Welcome Kasun your plants look very natural and well grown
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: udo on February 24, 2011, 10:36:00 AM
I nearly fell in to my holding area when I spotted C. heuff. Snow Princess while giving a liquid to the Crocus.

My camera hates the colours of Rainbow Gold so sadly no photo. I'll try again tomorrow

Fantasy or Yalta?

An albino of what? I have shown it a few times but this year is by far the best
Mark, Crocus 'Fantasy' is similar to 'Yalta', but 'Yalta' have a dark stem, is a little smaller and steril.
Crocus 'Fantasy' set seed and this bring plants with flowers like dark lilac vernus, pale tommasinianus and some like 'Fantasy'.
Here a picture from Crocus 'Yalta'
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 24, 2011, 10:50:40 AM
Thanks Dirk. Any idea about my albino Crocus?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 24, 2011, 11:18:47 AM
There are Crocus which come  from the area of Apulia, Davey, such as the endemic autumn flowering Crocus thomasii.... but if any of them look like that then I am Gina Lollobrigida.  ;)

 I really would avoid this person and their sales like the plague  :-X :P
Agree with all of this BUT Maggi I'd take your company over Gina any day .... nearly put that differently but re-reading it decided I might be misinterpreted :o
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Thomas Huber on February 24, 2011, 01:13:32 PM
Thanks Dirk. Any idea about my albino Crocus?

Hi Mark.
Looks like tommasinianus Albus in first sight.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 24, 2011, 05:28:53 PM
some flowering today in the sunshine

various Crocus sieberi from Greece Mt. Parnassus
two Crocus biflorus ssp pulchricolor from Turkey Ulu Dag
first of the Crocus pelistericus
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 24, 2011, 05:46:45 PM
Thanks Thomas.

veluchensis x cvijicii Rainbow Gold :o
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 24, 2011, 06:05:06 PM
As there are more Crocus than any other bulb in this photo I think I will show these photos here

I must extend this idea to other beds
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 24, 2011, 07:52:20 PM
Thanks Thomas.

veluchensis x cvijicii Rainbow Gold :o

Looks good enough to eat! I find myself drawn to flowers with edible-looking, puddingy, fruit-and-custardish colourings.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 24, 2011, 07:56:36 PM
Now you know why I got excited when I saw it.

The white chrysanthus, no photo, is an oddity like seeing a white bullfinch or goldfinch
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 24, 2011, 07:58:13 PM
I'm adding veluchensis and cvijicii to my order for Janis, so I can try some crosses! I can't recall who sells Rainbow Gold. Can you enlighten me, Mark.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: mark smyth on February 24, 2011, 08:06:11 PM
Dirk
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 24, 2011, 08:09:20 PM
One of mine:-

Crocus minimus.

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 24, 2011, 09:14:08 PM
Dirk

Ah, yes. Now I remember Dirk showing photos of Rainbow Gold. I think I received his bulb list last year but had problems opening it - made my screen freeze up whenever I tried to open it. So I had to delete it. Wish I'd managed to open it now!  :-\
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 24, 2011, 11:36:27 PM
That was on my old computer, which I was having problems with. Dirk, will you have Rainbow Gold available again this year?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: udo on February 25, 2011, 07:34:16 AM
That was on my old computer, which I was having problems with. Dirk, will you have Rainbow Gold available again this year?
Martin, my next bulb list comes in spring 2012, i hope including 'Rainbow Gold'
and many other interess Crocus.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 25, 2011, 10:47:52 AM
Thanks Dirk. I'll look out for it. With my new computer I'm sure I won't have a problem opening your next list. Meanwhile, I'll try some crosses of my own if Janis can let me have cvyicii and veluchensis (I have had both species in the past but never at the same time).
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: udo on February 25, 2011, 05:42:48 PM
Martin, the mother from Cr.'Rainbowgold' is a self-steril Cr.veluchensis from Rila-Mts. in Bulgaria, thereby was the pollination with Cr.cvijicii not difficultly.
Here some flowers from this friday:
Cr.sieberi from Crete
Cr.sieberi 'Chiara', a great flowering selection,
Crocus-beds with cover, the nights are to cold
Cr.sieberi 'Chiara' in bud from last spring
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 25, 2011, 06:59:05 PM
Chiara is a lovely lady Dirk !  8)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: annew on February 25, 2011, 07:28:34 PM
It certainly is!
The sun brought new crocus out here also:
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Kasun A on February 25, 2011, 08:36:46 PM
Is this   Crocus vernus ssp heuffelianus????? ??? I bought from Netherlands with a picture shows just like this


http://www.srgc.org.uk/discus/messages/321/1888.html

seems when it blooms totaly diiferent,,

kasun
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 25, 2011, 08:56:35 PM
Martin, if you are able to get cvijicii and veluchensis, try the cross by all means but also do the reverse cross. I have seedlings with just the same colouring but the seed was from cvijicii, the only times it has set seed, when pollinated with veluchensis.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 25, 2011, 09:05:10 PM
Is this   Crocus vernus ssp heuffelianus????? ??? I bought from Netherlands with a picture shows just like this


http://www.srgc.org.uk/discus/messages/321/1888.html

seems when it blooms totaly diiferent,,

kasun
Sadly you do not have C vernus heuffelianus - might be vernus but I even doubt that.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 25, 2011, 09:20:42 PM
Martin, if you are able to get cvijicii and veluchensis, try the cross by all means but also do the reverse cross. I have seedlings with just the same colouring but the seed was from cvijicii, the only times it has set seed, when pollinated with veluchensis.

Thanks Lesley, good to know Dirk's beauty wasn't a one-off and I can hope for similar results. I was going to try the cross both ways, assuming I get both parents from Janis on this year's order. I've also asked Janis for veluchensis 'Alba', which crossed with cvijicii won't produce such exciting colours but may give me some strong hybrid yellows that would be good to have in the garden.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 25, 2011, 10:03:38 PM
Last year I crossed cvijicii with sieberi  to see what would happen and have seedling up . I expect they may be similar but must say it is not one I am particularly keen on.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 25, 2011, 11:45:11 PM
The brain is definitely going! I have veluchensis in the garden (a very large-flowered form bought from Cambridge Bulbs years ago). I should have remembered as I crossed it with sieberi last year. Not expecting anything amazing, but should be interesting - seedlings are in leaf now. Will be interesting to have Janis's form too. So all I really need now is cvijicii from Janis.

Tony, I was just thinking the same thing - cvijicii should also cross with sieberi. I wonder if it would cross with all the subspecies and forms of sieberi? Some of the more dramatically coloured forms of sieberi crossed with cvijicii might produce some very interesting offspring.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 26, 2011, 12:09:34 AM
Here is what I have as C imperati albus flowering for the first time. Not as striking as plain imperati but nice nevertheless
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Thomas Huber on February 26, 2011, 08:22:03 AM
The brain is definitely going! I have veluchensis in the garden (a very large-flowered form bought from Cambridge Bulbs years ago). I should have remembered as I crossed it with sieberi last year. Not expecting anything amazing, but should be interesting - seedlings are in leaf now. Will be interesting to have Janis's form too. So all I really need now is cvijicii from Janis.

Tony, I was just thinking the same thing - cvijicii should also cross with sieberi. I wonder if it would cross with all the subspecies and forms of sieberi? Some of the more dramatically coloured forms of sieberi crossed with cvijicii might produce some very interesting offspring.

Martin, if you say your veluchensis is large-flowering I would guess that this is the one that was sold as 'veluchensis Mt Olympus' for many years, which is in fact a form of Crocus vernus. True veluchensis will probably never get such good increasing rates as this vigorous vernus form.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 26, 2011, 09:46:36 AM
Thomas I do not grow the form Martin is referring to and below is a picture of my Crocus veluchensis. I collected the seed myself many years ago on Olympus. As you say it is slow to increase-it never has.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 26, 2011, 12:45:35 PM
Thomas, I'll try to get a pic of my veluchensis to post here. It does look like your photo, but it did cross successfully with sieberi last year and produce seed which has germinated, so I think it must be veluchensis because vernus would not cross with sieberi. Unless other pollen polluted the cross of course. I'll post a pic and take a closer look at the flowers. My clone came from Norman Stevens at Cambridge Bulbs.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 26, 2011, 05:52:26 PM
Is this   Crocus vernus ssp heuffelianus????? ??? I bought from Netherlands with a picture shows just like this
http://www.srgc.org.uk/discus/messages/321/1888.html
seems when it blooms totaly diiferent,,
kasun
Sadly you do not have C vernus heuffelianus - might be vernus but I even doubt that.

Kasun and Tony,
I tend to say it is more a C. etruscus 'Zwanenburg'. I admit the style is a bit unusual small frilled. But this might be due to early blossom and still cold conditions.
Also 'Zwanenburg' is often a cheap 'impurity'... :(
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 26, 2011, 05:59:03 PM
One of mine:-
Crocus minimus.
Very nice David!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on February 26, 2011, 06:01:21 PM
It certainly is!
The sun brought new crocus out here also:

Anne,
very nice croci clumps - you really bring sunshine and spring to us :D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: annew on February 26, 2011, 06:33:10 PM
Thank you Armin. I think earlier there was some doubt about the name of our 'minimus'. Perhaps someone can remind me.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 26, 2011, 07:22:14 PM
One of mine:-
Crocus minimus.
Very nice David!

Thank you Armin, it came from Anne's List so I would be interested too if it has been re-named.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Kasun A on February 26, 2011, 08:09:26 PM
Is this   Crocus vernus ssp heuffelianus????? ??? I bought from Netherlands with a picture shows just like this
http://www.srgc.org.uk/discus/messages/321/1888.html
seems when it blooms totaly diiferent,,
kasun
Sadly you do not have C vernus heuffelianus - might be vernus but I even doubt that.

Kasun and Tony,
I tend to say it is more a C. etruscus 'Zwanenburg'. I admit the style is a bit unusual small frilled. But this might be due to early blossom and still cold conditions.
Also 'Zwanenburg' is often a cheap 'impurity'... :(

Thank you armin,i think i should   complaint to them about this ,,
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Rafa on February 26, 2011, 08:52:11 PM
Crocus carpetanus this evening.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 26, 2011, 09:27:32 PM
Thomas, here's a couple of pics of my "veluchensis" in the garden, a bit battered by the weather. They do look like they could be vernus. The flowers seem to have a definite waist, and they look very similar to the ones in your pic. I guess the seeds I got from crossing it with sieberi last year must have been from pollen taken to it by the bees from my many toms and heuffelianus around it. So just as well I've ordered true veluchensis from Janis.

Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 26, 2011, 09:35:35 PM
Since Tony got seed from crossing sieberi with cvijicii I think I'll try that as well as veluchensis with cvijicii. Sieberi hybridises with veluchensis, so it should cross with cvijicii too.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 26, 2011, 09:50:59 PM
Here is what I have as C imperati albus flowering for the first time. Not as striking as plain imperati but nice nevertheless
I grow the same thing under the same name - got it from Wallis's I think.  It is nice but looks very like C malyi to me, I MUST get both side by side and compare properly .... but that's a bit like getting both children to sit still at the same time ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 26, 2011, 09:54:23 PM
Crocus carpetanus this evening.
Magnificent - thank you!  Please send some of the blue sky here :)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Graeme Strachan on February 26, 2011, 10:04:13 PM
A couple of photos from today. C. sieberi Ronald Ginns and C.biflorus tauri

              Graeme
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 26, 2011, 10:34:12 PM
It certainly is!
The sun brought new crocus out here also:
This is a late reply - sorry.
The Crocus tommasinianus 'Bobbo' is super.  I have some in flower which I raised from seed .... VERY surprised to find they breed true.  In my experience seed raised progeny of special Tommies usually produce something completely different!
The Crocus minimus is a nice potful but are they healthy?  I ditched my trade form a while ago - curly petals, blotchy leaves = virus.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 26, 2011, 11:43:31 PM
Here is what I have as C imperati albus flowering for the first time. Not as striking as plain imperati but nice nevertheless
I grow the same thing under the same name - got it from Wallis's I think.  It is nice but looks very like C malyi to me, I MUST get both side by side and compare properly .... but that's a bit like getting both children to sit still at the same time ;D

Tony this came from the same source as yours and  I did wonder myself but white ones don't always display the id characteristics and the stigma length and colour fits with malyi  :-\ If you come to a decision let me know.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: annew on February 27, 2011, 10:00:30 AM
Tony, no sign of any problems on the minimus. I'll send you some later. Still don't know correct ID. Must do a search.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 27, 2011, 10:01:26 AM
Cvijicii will definitely be crossed by what I know as 'Bowles' White' sieberi. Seedlings were all white but shaped like cvijicii or pale yellow.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 27, 2011, 01:15:58 PM
Cvijicii will definitely be crossed by what I know as 'Bowles' White' sieberi. Seedlings were all white but shaped like cvijicii or pale yellow.

That's interesting Lesley. I thought I'd read that sieberi 'Bowles' White' was sterile. But I may be wrong. Anyway, useful to know that cvijicii and sieberi will cross.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 27, 2011, 01:41:59 PM
Having earlier seen David's and now Graeme's picture of Crocus sieberi Ronald Ginns, and bearing in mind that Ray Cobb who named it is a friend, I do wonder what drives the need to keep naming perfectly ordinary forms of plants which I often think have no particular merit. I think if you have seen a hillside covered in this species you would not have picked that one out to photograph.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 02:35:24 PM
Having earlier seen David's and now Graeme's picture of Crocus sieberi Ronald Ginns, and bearing in mind that Ray Cobb who named it is a friend, I do wonder what drives the need to keep naming perfectly ordinary forms of plants which I often think have no particular merit. I think if you have seen a hillside covered in this species you would not have picked that one out to photograph.
I agree. The variation in C sieberi must be almost infinite and this is not an exceptional form.  One of us could ask Ray but I am aware that he puts the name of the person who gave him the corm/s on his plant labels.  Perhaps this one has acquired a name because Ray got it from Ronald rather than because he selected it with a view to naming it?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 27, 2011, 03:14:09 PM
No it was not becasue of the name on the label. I think I remember seeing it in his greenhouse and asking him why he thought it was special. I also think we agreed to differ.
Boring Sunday afternoon and I am decorating which gives me time to think and I was just raising the point that lots of mediocre plants seem to be named for no reason. I will not even start on galanthus.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Gerry Webster on February 27, 2011, 04:24:18 PM
I was just raising the point that lots of mediocre plants seem to be named for no reason. I will not even start on galanthus.
Couldn't agree more Tony.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: alpinelover on February 27, 2011, 06:00:09 PM
Many nice crocusses here, i have some more,

Crocus sieberi ‘Hubert edelsten’ (photo 1 and 2)
Crocus 'Vanguard' (foto 3)
Crocus 'Miss Vain' (foto 4)
Crocus 'Goldilocks' (foto 5)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 27, 2011, 06:35:22 PM
I was just raising the point that lots of mediocre plants seem to be named for no reason. I will not even start on galanthus.
Couldn't agree more Tony.

Tony, would you think similarly about C. sieberi Hubert Edelsten?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 27, 2011, 07:04:13 PM
We were just discussing with a visitor today how much we all like C. sieberi Hubert Edelsten :D   Beautiful crocus!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 07:07:39 PM
No it was not becasue of the name on the label. I think I remember seeing it in his greenhouse and asking him why he thought it was special. I also think we agreed to differ.
Boring Sunday afternoon and I am decorating which gives me time to think and I was just raising the point that lots of mediocre plants seem to be named for no reason. I will not even start on galanthus.
:D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 07:10:08 PM
I was just raising the point that lots of mediocre plants seem to be named for no reason. I will not even start on galanthus.
Couldn't agree more Tony.

Tony, would you think similarly about C. sieberi Hubert Edelsten?
No.  I believe this is a Bowles selection and it is widely commercially available having stood the test of time.
edit: funny how you remember the wrong answers!  Janis corrected me last time : Hubert Edelsten raised the plant named after him ... I wonder who chose the name?

.....but perhaps you were asking the other Tony ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 07:14:31 PM
Cvijicii will definitely be crossed by what I know as 'Bowles' White' sieberi. Seedlings were all white but shaped like cvijicii or pale yellow.

That's interesting Lesley. I thought I'd read that sieberi 'Bowles' White' was sterile. But I may be wrong. Anyway, useful to know that cvijicii and sieberi will cross.
I have had seed off Bowles White occasionally - it has bred only lilac 'atticus type' plants so far.  Perhaps the white will reappear in the next generation as it has with seedlings ex ex Crocus goulimyi 'Mani White' where the first generation were all purple.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on February 27, 2011, 07:20:30 PM
We were just discussing with a visitor today how much we all like C. sieberi Hubert Edelsten :D   Beautiful crocus!
It is a lovely one. Mine is a solitary corm that does not want to increase

Here is a good doer for me C vernus Uklin Strain
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 27, 2011, 07:48:54 PM
I was just raising the point that lots of mediocre plants seem to be named for no reason. I will not even start on galanthus.
Couldn't agree more Tony.

Tony, would you think similarly about C. sieberi Hubert Edelsten?
No.  I believe this is a Bowles selection and it is widely commercially available having stood the test of time.

.....but perhaps you were asking the other Tony ;)

Yes Tony I would be interested in TW's view.

According to the great man's (Bowles) Handbook, Hubert Edelsten raised two seedlings between a Creten type of C. sieberi sieberi and C. sieberi atticus. The first received an RHS First Class Certificate in 1924. The second seedling was named 'Lingwood Beauty' "larger and more richly banded with purple.

I wonder if 'Lingwood Beauty' is still around? Nice pic of Hubert Edelsten on Bulb Log 8/2007
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 27, 2011, 07:56:34 PM
for more about Hubert Edelsten and Lingwood Beauty....

http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4748.msg132666#msg132666
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4748.msg132699;topicseen#msg132699
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on February 27, 2011, 08:00:00 PM
for more about Hubert Edelsten and Lingwood Beauty....

http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4748.msg132666#msg132666
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4748.msg132699;topicseen#msg132699

Thanks for that Maggi.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 08:53:56 PM
Sunshine .... and I am at home!  Snatched a few pics while cooking the Sunday roast.

Crocus rujanensis seedlings.  Some appear hybrids with C sieberi which is very closely related.  Note variation in flower size.
Crocus sieberi seedlings.  The label says ex C sieberi nivalis but externally these look like C siebei sieberi.  Inside the strong lilac markings are unusual for sieberi sieberi .... definite intraspecific hybrid ..... controversy - does the darker coloured one need a name? :-X :-X ;)
Crocus sieberi sieberi - nicely shaped and marked variants.  If I was offering for exchange or sale plants of Crocus sieberi how do I tell someone that plant 'A' is different to 'B' ... OK its not really necessary to say more than "variable forms of ...."   ................  until someone else wants "one like the one you gave him/her"!   (I use numbers - less controversial than names!)
Crocus corsicus seedlings.  I keep raising them every time I get seed of C corsicus.  It is never plentiful so I have not yet worked up a large stock :(  These are not as variable as is sometimes the case.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 09:02:17 PM
And a few more:

Crocus pestalozzae.  Has the smallest seeds of any crocus, truly tiny and produced in large numbers.  The white form increases quite well by corm division when I grow it properly.  The blue one I increase mainly form seed.  The black spot at the base of the filaments is a distinguishing feature.
Recently discussed :  Crocus imperati white form(left) and Crocus malyi(right).  I will try and get out there tomorrow with the Crocus book and decide if the supposed white imperati is really malyi.  (Had cookery book out today :))
Crocus etruscus
Crocus vernus (x tommasinianus).  I'm calling it 'Yalta type' as I do not grow Yalta for comparison and I believe this plant although similar is likely different.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 27, 2011, 09:18:18 PM
Your "Yalta type" doesn't look as dark in the tube as 'Yalta', which in my plants is always as dark as the tube of speciosus 'Oxonian'.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 09:28:00 PM
Thanks Martin - I don't think this is Yalta but there are some similarities.  If Yalta warrants a varietal name then perhaps this one does.  Its got huge flowers, a lovely rounded goblet shape BUT its a slow increaser.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 27, 2011, 09:30:44 PM
I was just raising the point that lots of mediocre plants seem to be named for no reason. I will not even start on galanthus.
Couldn't agree more Tony.

Tony, would you think similarly about C. sieberi Hubert Edelsten?

David

C sieberi Hubert Edelsten is very nice but what makes it more worthy of a name than the three below?

Variety is the spice of life and it is personal choice. I think raising from seed  gives you that variety and opens up new horizons as far as variation is concerned.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 27, 2011, 09:33:32 PM
It is just my personal opinion but also my personal experience to some extent that sterility is a flexible quality in many plants. I've had seed on several that are said to be sterile, Saponaria 'Olivana' is one. It may be a matter of finding the right pollinator which will work with that particular plant or it may be sometimes that a plant won't produce seed, but the pollen is fertile on the right receptor. I'd never now, say this or that plant is sterile and expect never to be proved wrong.

It could also be that, dare I suggest such a thing, the UK climate is not always sonducive to the production of seed sin some plants. :-X
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Diane Clement on February 27, 2011, 09:34:19 PM
Crocus rujanensis seedlings.  Some appear hybrids with C sieberi which is very closely related. 

Tony, how do you tell C rujanensis from C sieberi. Here's my pot labelled C rujanensis but is it?  (and I have a feeling you are also going to say "virus"  ::) )
I had an interesting correspondence last year with David Hill, the co-discoverer and co-author of C rujanensis.  He had found the name on the AGS seed list and contacted me as he didn't realise the species was in cultivation.  I directed him to several sites and sources of the seed and plants, and in return he sent me a little book he has written "The Genus Crocus in Serbia".
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 27, 2011, 09:36:03 PM
I agree with you Tony (W), the three you show are just as fine in their own way. If they were Galanthus they'd be named before the buds were opened :o Thank God though, that Croconuts show a lot more discretion and restraint than Galanthophiles.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 27, 2011, 09:42:18 PM
I agree with you Tony (W), the three you show are just as fine in their own way. If they were Galanthus they'd be named before the buds were opened :o Thank God though, that Croconuts show a lot more discretion and restraint than Galanthophiles.


I agree with most of that.... but I do have a real  soft spot for Hubert E. Loved him since I first saw him. We got a bulb from Roma, who has always grown it beautifully, a few years ago and now there a nice wee pot of them ( though some years they've been tricky) and I think he is very handsome and a darn sight more distinctive than the average 'drop!! And he's been around a while, too.   ;D


Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 27, 2011, 09:44:49 PM
Oh I love him too Maggi and have had him since an original import from Van Tubergen, must have been in the 60s, so he has proved reliable over the years.

To seed again, in my experience, seed set on crocuses is much more likely when they are in the garden than when they are in pots, with some sort of covering. This applies - for me - with just about anything bulbous.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on February 27, 2011, 09:49:58 PM
Quote
he has proved reliable over the years
....more than we can say for some, eh?
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 09:56:51 PM
Tony, how do you tell C rujanensis from C sieberi. Here's my pot labelled C rujanensis but is it?  (and I have a feeling you are also going to say "virus"  ::) )
I had an interesting correspondence last year with David Hill, the co-discoverer and co-author of C rujanensis.  He had found the name on the AGS seed list and contacted me as he didn't realise the species was in cultivation.  I directed him to several sites and sources of the seed and plants, and in return he sent me a little book he has written "The Genus Crocus in Serbia".
You look on the label ;D ;D
If you have David's book you may find the answer there.  I have seen the book but do not own a copy.  C rujanensis is very similar to C sieberi atticus, indeed some experts would say it is just the serbian form of that plant.  The two lots of C rujanensis I have raised from outside seed have both been larger flowered than average C sieberi atticus and a slightly 'duller' colour lilac.  The home seed rasings are less uniform and I think they are hybrids with C sieberi forms in my collection. 
As to virus, they look OK to me but you may be seeing details in real life that are blurred by compression of pics.  Show me a back lit, sunny day shot and I'll tell you what I think!
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 09:58:21 PM
Quote
he has proved reliable over the years
....more than we can say for some, eh?
Some of us are known to be consistantly unreliable over the years ... does that count?  Ask Jacinta :-*
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 27, 2011, 09:59:10 PM

To seed again, in my experience, seed set on crocuses is much more likely when they are in the garden than when they are in pots, with some sort of covering. This applies - for me - with just about anything bulbous.

Lesley there is no chance of me growing mine in the garden. I get reasonable seed set under glass and given I am only doing small numbers I usually pull an anther of  the pollen parent and rub it on the stigma of the one I want seed from. This gives me three goes over a number of days.Seems to work okay.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on February 27, 2011, 10:01:45 PM

To seed again, in my experience, seed set on crocuses is much more likely when they are in the garden than when they are in pots, with some sort of covering. This applies - for me - with just about anything bulbous.

Lesley there is no chance of me growing mine in the garden. I get reasonable seed set under glass and given I am only doing small numbers I usually pull an anther of  the pollen parent and rub it on the stigma of the one I want seed from. This gives me three goes over a number of days.Seems to work okay.
I also get reasonable amounts of seed under glass.  I am not as methodical as TW but I have found that crossing different clones of the same species gets the best results.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Diane Clement on February 27, 2011, 10:06:37 PM
Show me a back lit, sunny day shot and I'll tell you what I think!  

sunny day  :o - I saw some of those last week in Spain  8)  but they are very rare in Wolverhampton ::)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: alpinelover on February 28, 2011, 07:10:59 PM
(Wauw Janis, very nice.- refers to Janis' post in Crocus etc from Turkey Feb. 2011)

I have just returned from my work, not so spectacular as Turkey but the weather today was also grey en cold today. I made these photos yesterday.
These are two classic one's, but still worthwile.
Crocus 'Pick Wick' (1 and 2)
Crocus 'Ruby Giant' (3 and 4)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on February 28, 2011, 07:54:15 PM
Having earlier seen David's and now Graeme's picture of Crocus sieberi Ronald Ginns, and bearing in mind that Ray Cobb who named it is a friend, I do wonder what drives the need to keep naming perfectly ordinary forms of plants which I often think have no particular merit. I think if you have seen a hillside covered in this species you would not have picked that one out to photograph.
I agree. The variation in C sieberi must be almost infinite and this is not an exceptional form.  One of us could ask Ray but I am aware that he puts the name of the person who gave him the corm/s on his plant labels.  Perhaps this one has acquired a name because Ray got it from Ronald rather than because he selected it with a view to naming it?

No disrespect intended to Graeme but the two images shown of Crocus sieberi Ronald Ginns really do not do justice to this stunning plant. In my limited view (each to their own) this is a beautiful form, strong growing, hardy and a really good garden variety. Below a photo taken a couple of years ago.

Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns'
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on February 28, 2011, 09:22:39 PM
Rob I did not make my comment based only on the pictures on the forum and your website but having seen it in the flesh.It had no bearing on its suitability as a garden plant but as an exceptional form worthy of being named. We shall have to agree to disagree.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ruweiss on February 28, 2011, 09:57:34 PM

Close to our meadow garden is another meadow with old fruit trees (mostly appletrees).
The naturalized Crocus tommasinianus which obviously escaped from the old garden
beside it makes it to a real gem for a short time.












Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ruweiss on February 28, 2011, 10:04:14 PM
Our favourite among all these fine plant, we only found one
with this colour.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 28, 2011, 10:09:55 PM
A feast for the eyes Rudi !!  :o
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on February 28, 2011, 11:44:47 PM
I understand that Ray selected Ronald Ginns out because it was different from anything else that was in cultivation; few of us have had the good fortune & pleasure to see hillsides of Crocus sieberi in nature.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on March 01, 2011, 12:19:12 AM
I understand that Ray selected Ronald Ginns out because it was different from anything else that was in cultivation; few of us have had the good fortune & pleasure to see hillsides of Crocus sieberi in nature.
Does it increase well Rob?  Your picture shows a nice clump.  If it is a good doer it would be worth a name for that alone!  Most of the forms of C sieberi sieberi that I have are resolute non increasers ... seed only, no corm division.  Hubert Edelston is justified as a named form because it does increase, hopefully Ronald Ginns has a future for the same reason.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on March 01, 2011, 07:52:18 AM
Hello Tony. Lovely to see the family with you on Saturday, my how they grow!!!! Oh yes, Ronald Ginns is definately a good increaser.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Jo on March 01, 2011, 09:52:35 AM

Close to our meadow garden is another meadow with old fruit trees (mostly appletrees).
The naturalized Crocus tommasinianus which obviously escaped from the old garden
beside it makes it to a real gem for a short time.

I have a very similar old orchard about three miles from here which looks stunning at the moment.  I guess its about two thirds of an acre, maybe more , and is full of Crocus tomasinianus, purple and white forms.  The purple ones look like 'Whitewell Purple', but thats just a guess.

I wonder if the mowing regime has spread the seeds about. Maybe a ride on without the catcher ?

This garden is about 5 miles from RHS Rosemoor in Devon and is well worth a peek at if heading that way.

(edit by maggi to sort out the "quote box" )
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ChrisB on March 01, 2011, 10:24:55 AM
What a wonderful sight Jo.  Thanks for sharing.  Doubtful I'll ever be down to see it in the flesh, but you never know...
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Armin on March 01, 2011, 10:46:23 AM
I like all crocus meadows independent of being in the wild or purposefully planted!
Crocus flowering in masses or in large clumps are simply breathtaking 8) 8) 8)
Thanks for posting your images.

Rudi,
indeed a very nice tommie :o

Janis,
thanks for showing your images from the wild.
Good luck for phylogenetic analysis of the nicely black anthered (formerly supposed subsp. isauricus) and I'm exited if it is a new (sub)species. I hope you brought some samples safely home and you will have a good growth rate soon.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Tony Willis on March 01, 2011, 10:49:51 AM
I understand that Ray selected Ronald Ginns out because it was different from anything else that was in cultivation; few of us have had the good fortune & pleasure to see hillsides of Crocus sieberi in nature.

I do not know why I got into this in the first place as I have been forbidden by Mrs W. to enter into controversial subjects so my final comment is ,how do you define cultivation? Are the ones self sown in my sand in cultivation when I dig them up and put them in a pot? If by cultivation it means commercial then I go back top my earlier comment it is personal choice and I would not have picked that particular one as being exceptional.I would also add that even though few may have had the opportunity to see them in nature Ray has,he was with me.
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ian mcenery on March 01, 2011, 10:59:44 AM
Rudi and Jo lovely to see the tommies naturalising they might here (and a stalwart few do)  if I had my way but maritial harmony has to be maintained by frequent lawn mowing ::) ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Jo on March 01, 2011, 11:14:52 AM
Haha, Ian, marital bliss comes first ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Rob Potterton on March 01, 2011, 01:48:09 PM
Tony I agree with Mrs W and an interesting question ...... "How do you define cultivation"?? Whenever we have raised a seedling or found a sport that is different from the norm we have asked a number of specialist growers or national collection holders their opinion, "Is it different" or "Is it in cultivation" and "Is it worth naming" to get a consensus.
When Ray Cobb approached me 10 or maybe 15 years ago he said he'd got a few different clones of Crocus sieberi one of which he felt was exceptional - i think this was "clone number 2" but could be wrong on that. This he said was different from anything else currently in cultivation and knowing Ray's extensive knowledge, that was good enough for me. Later when we had significantly increased the number of bulbs we asked him to provide a name for commercial distribution of the bulbs, thus "Ronald Ginns", named after a late, dear friend. To this day i have not seen anything better than it. Tony, if you have bulbs in your sand plunge that are far superior to Ronald Ginns they should definately be shared around. Do you have my address??
Apologies for any spelling mistakes or bad grammer; this reply typed with one finger whilst eating salad & quiche - keyboard now a real mess  :o
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on March 01, 2011, 03:48:22 PM
Quote
whilst eating salad & quiche


Crikey... it MUST be Spring with a menu like that. ;D
Even Ian had a salad with his steak pie for lunch  ;) :D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: David Nicholson on March 01, 2011, 05:25:04 PM
Quote
whilst eating salad & quiche


Crikey... it MUST be Spring with a menu like that. ;D
Even Ian had a salad with his steak pie for lunch  ;) :D

Salad with steak pie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No chips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The man must be suffering for something ;D
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: tonyg on March 01, 2011, 08:32:54 PM
I have a very similar old orchard about three miles from here which looks stunning at the moment.  I guess its about two thirds of an acre, maybe more , and is full of Crocus tomasinianus, purple and white forms.  The purple ones look like 'Whitewell Purple', but thats just a guess.
I wonder if the mowing regime has spread the seeds about. Maybe a ride on without the catcher ?
This garden is about 5 miles from RHS Rosemoor in Devon and is well worth a peek at if heading that way.
That is the most impressive massed display I have seen!  Curious to see closer shots.  Are there many variants or predominantly one form plus whites?  They look unusually uniform dark purple for tommies, I would expect to see some (a lot) of paler ones, especially if seeding around and hybridising with whites.  At first glance I thought "Wow - fabulous naturalised Crocus vernus" ... then I read the post ;)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 01, 2011, 09:41:55 PM
Amazing finds Janis !!
Thanks for showing !
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ChrisB on March 02, 2011, 11:26:47 AM
Quote
Even Ian had a salad with his steak pie for lunch  Wink Cheesy

Would that pie be the one originating in Dunblane by any chance.....
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on March 02, 2011, 12:32:40 PM
Quote
Even Ian had a salad with his steak pie for lunch  Wink Cheesy

Would that pie be the one originating in Dunblane by any chance.....
It would, Christine..... indeed , it was one of several originating in Dunblane  8)
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: ChrisB on March 02, 2011, 12:57:52 PM
 ;D  Nothing quite like them.  Speaks volumes that a certain butcher and his wife buy them when in Dunblane too....
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Graeme Strachan on March 02, 2011, 09:08:24 PM
Yesterday it was sunny in Aberdeen, so I took some time off work in the afternoon and took the opportunity to photograph some of my crocusses.

                    Graeme
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Maggi Young on March 02, 2011, 09:19:41 PM
It was indeed a beautiful day yesterday Graeme.... what a great day to get some time off to photograph your Crocus.
And how well they are looking... every one a gem..... easy to see why I'm a croconut.... I love 'em all
Title: Re: Crocus February 2011
Post by: Graeme Strachan on March 02, 2011, 10:49:23 PM
Yes Maggi - perhaps the best day we've had this year so far. All the crocus opened beautifully until the low winter's sun slipped behind my house and cast a shadow.

                               Graeme
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