Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Seedy Subjects! => Grow From Seed => Topic started by: Gene Mirro on March 16, 2013, 12:15:13 AM

Title: Physoplexis comosa from seed
Post by: Gene Mirro on March 16, 2013, 12:15:13 AM

A new batch of Physoplexis comosa grown from seed collected in the garden:

[attach=1]

For everything I know about this plant, see: Spring 2009 NARGS bulletin.
https://nargs.org/sites/default/files/free-rgq-downloads/VOL_67_NO_2.pdf




 

Title: Re: Physoplexis comosa from seed
Post by: ranunculus on March 16, 2013, 07:17:02 AM

A remarkable germination of a magnificent species, Gene.
I grow a number of pots of this Dolomite gem (two of which are now 'veterans' of seven or eight years - see image) and have seen and photographed them numerous times in their lofty limestone crevices on the cliffs of those stunning Italian mountains.
Your next step is the critical one (they do not appreciate root disturbance), and I would be interested to know whether you plan to grow them on in pots (long toms), troughs or in the open garden? They need an extensive root run and to be moisture-free around the base of the crown.
Mine grow in large (and deep) pots outside all year at 1000 feet here in Lancashire (with a rudimentary plastic cover over the crown all winter) and seem to thrive despite the seemingly constant rain, fluctuating temperatures and lack of intense sunlight.
Congratulations on such a prolific clutch of seedlings.

Title: Re: Physoplexis comosa from seed
Post by: Pennine Wanderer on March 16, 2013, 11:43:21 AM

Hi Ranunculus,
Do you plunge your pots of Physoplexis in the garden during the winter? 
Dave

Title: Re: Physoplexis comosa from seed
Post by: astragalus on March 16, 2013, 02:20:18 PM

Cliff, it looks more perfect than in nature!

Title: Re: Physoplexis comosa from seed
Post by: Gene Mirro on March 16, 2013, 02:35:49 PM

Cliff, in the NARGS article you can see photos of plants that I've grown in the past.  They are out in the garden now, in a raised bed of sandy loam soil, and have survived two very rainy winters so far without protection. 

Title: Re: Physoplexis comosa from seed
Post by: ranunculus on March 16, 2013, 06:00:46 PM

Hi Dave,
No, I don't plunge any pots, but I do lose a number of clay pots to frost each winter (even very old, supposedly frost resistant pots).
The plants don't seem to suffer, but their temporary homes do.

Anne,
Many high alpines like the 'clay pot' habitat and seem to grow larger and with more perfect symmetry than they do in nature.  Dionysias, androsaces and sax's form beautiful cushions/buns that are seldom seen in the mountains.  An enigma!!!

Gene,
Congratulations on mastering these less than easy gems.

Title: Re: Physoplexis comosa from seed
Post by: Pennine Wanderer on March 17, 2013, 10:00:20 AM

Cliff,
I will try your method.  Here's hoping.
Dave