Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Bulbs => Galanthus => Topic started by: steve owen on October 02, 2014, 06:50:11 PM

Title: October snowdrops
Post by: steve owen on October 02, 2014, 06:50:11 PM
Blanc de Chine in flower here, and Early to Rize, Emmelina and Autumn Beauty well on the way - all in open ground.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 02, 2014, 08:15:18 PM
Blanc de Chine in flower here, and Early to Rize, Emmelina and Autumn Beauty well on the way - all in open ground.
Steve, I have seen photos of G. 'Blanc de Chine' which is simply a stunner, and would love to see shots of yours...all new to my eyes. Cheers!
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Tony Willis on October 03, 2014, 02:43:52 PM
lots in flower now

Galanthus reginae olgae
Galanthus reginae olgae 'Eleni' from Melvyn
Galanthus peshmenii
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnw on October 03, 2014, 05:18:20 PM
Tony - Some nice variations there in peshmenii.  You'd not get that range of markings if you grew 10,000 nivalis from seed.

johnw
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 05, 2014, 06:36:50 PM
JohnW, also Gn make such differences. It is only a question of the source of the seed. I had to learn, that small isolated populations can create different appearances and very big population have only one appearance of the flower. It is a little bit more difficult than we like to think. And my theory is good for Gn but also for Gpp, Gpb, Gp and much more. Think about your Canadian Gee!
Here is a picture of different autumn flowering ones. All the same appearances like in spring. Sorry, the poculiforme will flowering later and the first autumn virescens in under the ground in the moment.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: David Nicholson on October 05, 2014, 06:49:51 PM
I don't remember planting this (I don't remember what I had for breakfast either ;D  ), but I must have and have no label in this position is it a good enough image for someone to hazard a guess please?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 06, 2014, 10:11:14 AM
well ... it can only be one of two David. G. peshmenii or G. reginae-olgae
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: snowdropcollector on October 06, 2014, 12:00:53 PM
Great display of snowdrops you are showing Hagen  :P

First snowdrops showing overhere also. Even some Plicatus showing already, from Ruslan's collection.
All are growing outside.

Reg Olg Green Tip - Not much green this year
Reg Olg Melvyn Jope - Large strong flower and flowering for two weeks already
Reg Olg Eleni - Just showing
Plicatus from Ruslan - showed 4 weeks ago !!!
Plicatus from Ruslan - Just showing
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Tony Willis on October 06, 2014, 02:54:03 PM
another pot of Galanthus reginae olgae
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: David Nicholson on October 06, 2014, 06:19:25 PM
well ... it can only be one of two David. G. peshmenii or G. reginae-olgae

Many thanks Mark. That's got me head-scratching though, I don't remember buying either and having looked at the prices of G. peshmanii I wouldn't have bought one. Is it possible to to explain to a lay-man the differences between peshmenii and reginae-olgae please?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Matt T on October 06, 2014, 06:37:47 PM
Many thanks Mark. That's got me head-scratching though, I don't remember buying either and having looked at the prices of G. peshmanii I wouldn't have bought one. Is it possible to to explain to a lay-man the differences between peshmenii and reginae-olgae please?

David, I researched this myself recently and found the following descriptions from the IUCN (CITES folk):

Galanthus reginae-olgae:
Leaves - glaucous median stripe on the adaxial surface on a background of green.
Flowers - similar to G.nivalis, usually bold U- to V-shaped mark and inside of inner perianth segment green mark runs from apex to base of segment.

Galanthus peshmenii:
Flowering time and growth habit as G.reginae-olgae.
Leaves - glaucescent (green with glaucous undertones) to glaucous, with or without underlying median stripe. Narrower and longer than G.reginae-olgae and distinctly flaccid appreance when fully developed.
Flowers - outer mark (on inner segment) narrower than G.reginae-olgae and U-shaped. Inside, mark is small and covers only 1/2 length of the segment.

Hope this helps,
Matt
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on October 06, 2014, 06:56:38 PM
Many thanks Mark. That's got me head-scratching though, I don't remember buying either and having looked at the prices of G. peshmanii I wouldn't have bought one.
I bought my G. peshmenii from Kurt Vickery's bulb list earlier this year - reasonably priced at £6.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Anthony Darby on October 06, 2014, 09:12:11 PM
£6! David could feed his family for a week for £6.  ;D
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: David Nicholson on October 07, 2014, 08:46:56 AM
£6! David could feed his family for a week for £6.  ;D

I could sell 'em for less than that ;D
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: David Nicholson on October 07, 2014, 08:51:18 AM
David, I researched this myself recently and found the following descriptions from the IUCN (CITES folk):

Galanthus reginae-olgae:
Leaves - glaucous median stripe on the adaxial surface on a background of green.
Flowers - similar to G.nivalis, usually bold U- to V-shaped mark and inside of inner perianth segment green mark runs from apex to base of segment.

Galanthus peshmenii:
Flowering time and growth habit as G.reginae-olgae.
Leaves - glaucescent (green with glaucous undertones) to glaucous, with or without underlying median stripe. Narrower and longer than G.reginae-olgae and distinctly flaccid appreance when fully developed.
Flowers - outer mark (on inner segment) narrower than G.reginae-olgae and U-shaped. Inside, mark is small and covers only 1/2 length of the segment.

Hope this helps,
Matt

Many thanks Matt. Having read that I'd say mine is reginae-olgae.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 07, 2014, 09:18:20 AM
Many thanks Matt. Having read that I'd say mine is reginae-olgae.

I see at least 10 reginae-olgae on sale for every one peshmenii so statistics favour reginae olgae.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Anthony Darby on October 07, 2014, 09:34:11 AM
Not tried it yet here in New Zealand. My pots of seedlings of Galanthus "Heinz" seem to like it here in Auckland in so far as they produce leaves at the appropriate time of year. Still a few years off flowering. I have asked about snowdrops in garden centres, but the assistants usually glaze over as they've never heard of them.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 07, 2014, 10:58:25 AM
I'm only  here for the snowdrops.

Hello, to those who remember me. I have been absent for quite a while. I have been busy with duties in the Irish Garden Plant Society and keep their website and Facebook page ticking over so little time for the SRGC, unfortunately.

It is wonderful to see all the early snowdrops while mine are only peeping above ground in pots in the glasshouse.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: David Nicholson on October 07, 2014, 12:17:39 PM
Good to see you Paddy.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 07, 2014, 08:01:31 PM
Years ago I named a Gp RUBY'S GEBURTSTAGSBLUMEN (Ruby's flowers of birthday).
They have not only a small mark on the inners, they have a reversed heart.
And they have normally green tips on the outers. But the last years the flowers not showed the green tips.
This year all is OK again.

Next pic is a seedling of RUBY'S GEBURTSTAGSBLUMEN, shows us a slim heart, but also small green tips
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 07, 2014, 08:11:27 PM
Years ago I named a Gp RUBY'S GEBURTSTAGSBLUMEN (Ruby's flowers of birthday).
They have not only a small mark on the inners, they have a reversed heart.
And they have normally green tips on the outers. But the last years the flowers not showed the green tips.
This year all is OK again.

Next pic is a seedling of RUBY'S GEBURTSTAGSBLUMEN, shows us a slim heart, but also small green tips

Hagen, These are both terrific snowdrops. The green on the seedling seems more intense. Hats off to you on your excellent work and results.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 07, 2014, 08:20:03 PM
And here is one without any green. I cannot give any magic (spell) about this flower...
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 07, 2014, 08:23:16 PM
If you like more green, but only at the inners
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 07, 2014, 08:35:39 PM
Hagen, stunners both of them.  Congratulations. The white is as good as it gets and then I see the one with the deep emerald green centers and rounded outers...wow.  Are these both Galanthus peshmenii as well?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 07, 2014, 08:38:28 PM
They can look so much more different...
Here increases the third generation

Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 07, 2014, 08:57:14 PM
They can look so much more different...
Here increases the third generation
An interesting and broad range of colors and forms on third generation. As I understand it, these are all out of your Gp seedling named, RUBY'S GEBURTSTAGSBLUMEN.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Maggi Young on October 07, 2014, 09:02:41 PM
Hagen - don't tell anyone I said this   ::) - but those are very lovely! :-X
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 08, 2014, 09:07:13 AM
 ;) I know it Maggi - but now I can divide my feelings with you  :)
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 08, 2014, 09:12:05 AM
If you like more green, but only at the inners

Absolutely lovely Hagen, so crisp and clean, super snowdrops.

Good to see you back with us Paddy.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 08, 2014, 01:33:13 PM
Thank you, Brian. Slowly coming back to myself and the SRGC
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnw on October 08, 2014, 05:05:45 PM
Paddy -  Welcome back, we missed you.

Hagen   - You realize some of us were trying to cut back on new snowdrops.  With your new ones the fires are re-ignited!

johnw
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 08, 2014, 05:24:57 PM
Thank  you, John. It's wonderful to "see" you again.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: snowdropcollector on October 08, 2014, 05:52:28 PM
Great you are back Paddy, looking forward to your comments and addings.

Lovely to see your snowdrops Hagen, as always ! You mentioned the third generation, you mean you have seeds growing from
three generations now ? That must have been lot of work. Do you make crossings by hand ?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 08, 2014, 07:16:28 PM
SRGC- always one of the best addresses in internet.
Everybody of us has intensive times (my begins with galanthus again)and lonely times, so I was sure to meet Paddy here again, sooner or later.
He is back again -top  ;) Paddy!!!
John, a fire in your heart you cannot delete. best, you do not try it. Love it. Galanthus are a part of my life. Hope we all will have a long life.
Richard, bees do most of the work , I'm only the organizer. ;) Around 10 years I use seed from different sources and got a lot of seed from several classical locations.
 
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnw on October 08, 2014, 08:35:53 PM
John, a fire in your heart you cannot delete. best, you do not try it.

Hagen  - How true!  But the price of fuel these days to keep that fire raging.... ;) ;)

john
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Maggi Young on October 09, 2014, 09:32:27 AM
I think Gerard Oud may have given this link previously to his YouTube video about the mechanical grading of Galanthus, but in case he didn't  here it is again!

 Grading snowdrops at Sneeuwklokjeshof Bucaneve (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZJOhYYQmzc#)
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Gerard Oud on October 09, 2014, 11:06:21 AM
Thats the vintage way of grading bulbs! These days they are going through a machine where they are weightened and counted in on time! Cant afford such a machine just for snowdrops(about 200000 euro!)
Here i have the first peshmeni green tip eaten by snails, they left one petal with green on it. and a Tilebarn Jamie on its way.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: freddyvl on October 09, 2014, 03:08:06 PM
Cambridge, the first named cultivar of r.-o., from Corfu and in culture through Cambridge University Botanical Gardens, hence the name. 'Nothing special' but nevertheless a early good doer.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: jens on October 09, 2014, 03:19:22 PM
My first contribution to the Galanthus World with 2 snowdrops, that I grow under cover. I tried with Blanc de Chine in the garden, where it multiplied, but did not flower. I imagined that Blanc de Chine was pure White. The flower is bigger than my regular r.o.
The peshmenii is also satisfied with my regime after an slow start.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 09, 2014, 03:54:22 PM
Jens, your peshmenii Kastellorhiza form is beautiful.  First time I have seen this one. The amount of green on the inner is appealing along with the relatively rounded form of the outers...very nice to see.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 09, 2014, 04:41:07 PM
Cambridge, the first named cultivar of r.-o., from Corfu and in culture through Cambridge University Botanical Gardens, hence the name. 'Nothing special' but nevertheless a early good doer.

But I asked a while ago and Cambridge Botanic Gardens had lost their stock of this snowdrop. 
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Maggi Young on October 09, 2014, 06:52:42 PM
Couldn't resisit teasing those with the white fever with this : From IGPS  - a picture of cyclamen season at Anglesey Abbey  -
https://www.facebook.com/IrishGardenPlantSociety/posts/715899861798768 (https://www.facebook.com/IrishGardenPlantSociety/posts/715899861798768)   ;D
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Maggi Young on October 09, 2014, 09:40:55 PM
A photo of Galanthus rachelae in the alpine house at Wisley - photo copyright of Harriet Rycroft, who has given kind permission to use it to show here ( https://twitter.com/HarrietRycroft )

[attachimg=1]

The name is a synonym of Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. reginae-olgae. Interesting that Wisley is using it? 
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 09, 2014, 09:59:25 PM
a picture of cyclamen season at Anglesey Abbey  -

(Wandering dangerously off-topic but) it is absolutely magical there when the cyclamen first appear in great swathes; the flowers are so colourful yet appear straight out of bare earth with no leaves.  It looks more like a film set than something that could really happen in nature.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnstephen29 on October 10, 2014, 09:52:38 AM
Galanthus Reginae Olgae in flower, started with one builb a couple of years ago, has now started to bulk up nicely. I though it would go well with the cyclamen intaminatum plain & patterned leaf forms. Sorry about the netting, a consequence of the mild winter we had has been a lot of mice which have gone after my cyclamen as you might be able to see on the photo, stalks with no flowers or seed pods. I've had a word with our cat & she's got her act together, dead bodies turn up every day now.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15491248591_c0549be4f4_c.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/126223196@N05/15491248591/)
Galanthus Reginae Olgae & Cyclamen Intaminatum (https://www.flickr.com/photos/126223196@N05/15491248591/) by johnstephen29 (https://www.flickr.com/people/126223196@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Anthony Darby on October 10, 2014, 09:59:24 AM
Galantus rachelae? Must rename my reginae olgae as Lucy's middle name is Rachel. :)
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 10, 2014, 11:25:20 AM
A photo of Galanthus rachelae in the alpine house at Wisley - photo copyright of Harriet Rycroft, who has given kind permission to use it to show here ( https://twitter.com/HarrietRycroft )

(Attachment Link)

The name is a synonym of Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. reginae-olgae. Interesting that Wisley is using it?

If my memory serves me correctly this was named by Frederick Burbidge, one time Curator at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. He named two G. reginae olgae after his two daughters. However, I believe the general feeling is that there were not significantly different and only merited a name at the time as it was when G. reg. olg. was first introduced and so they were new for the time. Comparison with further examples of G. reg. olg. showed there were not, in fact, unusual at all.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Maggi Young on October 10, 2014, 12:01:38 PM
Most interesting background info, Paddy. Thank you.  Nice to keep the name if the provenance links back to the original family.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: art600 on October 13, 2014, 11:47:36 AM
Is this a record  - my Galanthus 'Peter Gatehouse' flowered on Friday October 10th.  I will try to photograph it if and when this dreadful weather stops.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 13, 2014, 12:01:48 PM
Is this a record  - my Galanthus 'Peter Gatehouse' flowered on Friday October 10th.  I will try to photograph it if and when this dreadful weather stops.

Blimey Art mine is not even through the ground :o
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Mavers on October 13, 2014, 01:26:26 PM
This is Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. reginae-olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie' in my garden enjoying the sunshine on Saturday.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Maggi Young on October 13, 2014, 01:34:08 PM
Mike-  they are really enjoying that spot in the pine needles, aren't they?  8)
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 13, 2014, 01:41:39 PM
Looks good Mike, ours in flower too.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 13, 2014, 03:05:17 PM
This is Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. reginae-olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie' in my garden enjoying the sunshine on Saturday.
Mike...great to see them growing so well and blooming in mid October. About how old is your clump of G.o.r.'Tilebarn Jamie'?

Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: pehe on October 13, 2014, 05:31:21 PM
Is this a record  - my Galanthus 'Peter Gatehouse' flowered on Friday October 10th.  I will try to photograph it if and when this dreadful weather stops.

Mine have just shown their noses.

Poul
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Mavers on October 14, 2014, 01:13:54 PM
Sorry chaps only just got back to the forum.......I planted two bulbs in 2010 Rick. One bulb has produced this nice clump & the other bulb planted just 24" away never came to anything.

It gets warm & dry at the base of this young Scots Pine Maggi & it seems to suit them.

Cheers Brian, what conditions do yours grow in?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 14, 2014, 01:19:27 PM
Years ago I named a Gp RUBY'S GEBURTSTAGSBLUMEN (Ruby's flowers of birthday).


One word - wow
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 14, 2014, 01:20:54 PM
Is this a record  - my Galanthus 'Peter Gatehouse' flowered on Friday October 10th. 

Must go see what mine are doing ... what weather? Shorts and t-shirt again in tropical N Ireland
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Mavers on October 14, 2014, 01:26:55 PM
Solid rain here in Somerset Mark. Started yesterday & has only just stopped.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 14, 2014, 01:37:21 PM
horizon to horizon of blue sky here dotted with some white clouds
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 14, 2014, 01:43:47 PM
Cheers Brian, what conditions do yours grow in?

They are in full sun, well drained on the edge of the vegetable patch with other r-o's and peshmenii Kastellorhizo form which is also in flower.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Jo on October 14, 2014, 09:04:39 PM
Probably the wrong thread to ask on but does anyone know a snowdrop called G. Richard Handscombe ?  It's an elwesii sold on eBay last March.

I've just met it's namesake and he's never heard of it ?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 14, 2014, 09:18:58 PM
I think you will find it is Richard Handscombe Jo.  I don't think you met his real namesake as he definitely knows about it!
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 14, 2014, 09:20:16 PM
Funnily enough it was found in the next village to us and it's a whopper ;D
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Jo on October 14, 2014, 09:47:45 PM
Hi Brian,  thanks,my tablet keeps changing my spelling or I'm hopeless at little keyboards. I've corrected it.

I'm in Spain and Richard is a keen gardener here and was offered this snowdrop and assumed it was a scam.  So thanks for that,  I'll assure him its worth the money,  ha !
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 14, 2014, 10:37:30 PM
Sorry chaps only just got back to the forum.......I planted two bulbs in 2010 Rick. One bulb has produced this nice clump & the other bulb planted just 24" away never came to anything.

It gets warm & dry at the base of this young Scots Pine Maggi & it seems to suit them.

Cheers Brian, what conditions do yours grow in?
Thanks Mike... a very good increase.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Leena on October 15, 2014, 05:34:53 AM
I have forms of Galanthus reginae-olgae that flower with leaves, with tips only and without any leaves showing at all, but they are all G. reginae-olgae.

This quote was from Colchicum-thread, but it was interesting, because I have thought that autumn flowering snowdrops won't probably do well here when the winter may come in early November (and frosts in October or even some in September), but if there were cultivars which are earliest possible and grow leaves at the same time as flowers then they may be able to gather enough food for the bulb before winter and thrive also in the long run. Could someone give names of such cultivars of G.reginae-olgae, please.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 15, 2014, 08:41:55 AM
I'm in Spain and Richard is a keen gardener here and was offered this snowdrop and assumed it was a scam.  So thanks for that,  I'll assure him its worth the money,  ha !

It certainly is Jo.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: RichardW on October 15, 2014, 10:29:44 AM
Elwesii Barnes is flowering here, a few weeks earlier than usual & looks to be a nice clump now with plenty of spikes on the way. Bought Peter Gatehouse last year and is still in a pot but that's not quite as advanced.

Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 15, 2014, 10:36:50 AM
cultivars which ... grow leaves at the same time as flowers ... may be able to gather enough food for the bulb before winter and thrive also in the long run.

I would have thought that the vast majority of 'food gathering' is done in the warmer longer days of late spring, irrespective of whether a bulb flowers in autumn, winter or early spring.  Leaves could be damaged by the rigours of winter so it might be better if they came later rather than sooner.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Tony Willis on October 15, 2014, 01:59:36 PM
three pots open today

galanthus peshmenii
Galanthus reinae olgae
Galanthus reginae olgae 'Sofia' from Melvyn

None of these will grow outside with me both because it is too wet and if flower buds are formed they are eaten at soil level by slugs.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Gerard Oud on October 15, 2014, 04:05:52 PM
Actually a pic from lat week Friday when it was raining G. elwesii Kinn Macintosh
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 15, 2014, 04:15:57 PM
Is "Kinn Macintosh" your earliest elwesii, Gerard?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnw on October 15, 2014, 06:45:54 PM
Tony  - The peshemenii in the centre is a bruiser.

johnw - summer here, sunny & 25c.  Bracing for a brush with Hurricane Gonzalo, we may just get some much-needed rain.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on October 15, 2014, 06:51:10 PM
G. reginae -olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie ' .
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: David Nicholson on October 15, 2014, 07:42:14 PM


johnw - summer here, sunny & 25c.  Bracing for a brush with Hurricane Gonzalo, we may just get some much-needed rain.

......... and the start of next week doesn't look promising for the Brits >:(
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Gerard Oud on October 15, 2014, 09:20:56 PM
Is "Kinn Macintosh" your earliest elwesii, Gerard?
No i do have some that flower in September!
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Leena on October 16, 2014, 05:54:13 AM
I would have thought that the vast majority of 'food gathering' is done in the warmer longer days of late spring, irrespective of whether a bulb flowers in autumn, winter or early spring.  Leaves could be damaged by the rigours of winter so it might be better if they came later rather than sooner.

Thank Alan. You are right, I don't think the leaves survive here until spring if they come up before winter which may last 4 months of even longer so that is why I thought they need to do their job before the winter. Autumn flowering snowdrops are probably not plants for colder climates. :-[
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 17, 2014, 08:28:43 PM
The first snowdrops have opened here. These are pot grown in a cold glasshouse. G. reginae olgae will not survive in the open garden here so I have started growing them in pots in the last few years and am now delighted to have snowdrops in bloom in October.

Galanthus peshmenii
Galanthus reginae olgae from seed collected in Langada, Greece, but not collected by me. A bulb was a generous gift. This is the first time I have had it in flower and isn't it a dainty little thing!
Galanthus reginae olgae 'Sofia'
Galanthus reginae olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie'
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnstephen29 on October 18, 2014, 08:31:00 AM
Hi paddy great looking snowdrops.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 18, 2014, 08:33:50 AM
Just wondering if 'Cambridge' is the largest reginae-olgae that is readily available to buy?

elwesii 'Barnes' is three weeks early this year
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: David Nicholson on October 18, 2014, 09:01:21 AM
I agree that reginae-olgae are very pretty and being early they stir the soul a bit BUT having looked at Paddy's excellent images if you took away the file names and jumbled them up and then re-posted them how on earth could you tell which was which?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Blonde Ingrid on October 18, 2014, 11:20:14 AM
Looks like the festival calendar is out of kilter in snowdrop world!

G. 'Santa Claus is in flower while G.e. 'Remember Remember' is lagging behind.

Both were resting bulbs purchased this year.

Amazing to see 'Santa Claus' out before the Sainsbury Christmas brochure but a few days behind M&S ;D
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Maggi Young on October 18, 2014, 11:34:21 AM
Looks like the festival calendar is out of kilter in snowdrop world!

G. 'Santa Claus is in flower while G.e. 'Remember Remember' is lagging behind.

Both were resting bulbs purchased this year.

Amazing to see 'Santa Claus' out before the Sainsbury Christmas brochure but a few days behind M&S ;D

 ;D    For many flowers these celebrations are very much a "moveable feast" , eh?  ;) ;D
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 18, 2014, 11:43:07 AM
I agree that reginae-olgae are very pretty and being early they stir the soul a bit BUT having looked at Paddy's excellent images if you took away the file names and jumbled them up and then re-posted them how on earth could you tell which was which?

David, I certainly  have been comparing G. reginae olgae 'Sofia' and 'Tilebarn Jamie' and feel that I either received one or the other of them under the incorrect name or there is no difference between them.  The other two above are quite different though the G reg. olg. is in its first year and may be bigger next year. Nonetheless it is different to 'Sofia' and 'Tilebarn Jamie'. 
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: ian mcenery on October 18, 2014, 12:17:32 PM
Tilebarn Jamie in the garden. Some of the others are not far behind

For me slugs not hardiness are the problem with RO's

Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 18, 2014, 01:33:26 PM
Very fine group, Ian.
I would like to see a fine group here too. But I have alway only singles in the garden.
Groups, increasing plants van live here only under glass.
And I have both!
Slugs, snails and frost.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 18, 2014, 01:39:06 PM
One thing I can do very easy: I can arrange different groups
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 18, 2014, 01:41:44 PM
I have to agree with you David but you'll not be able to say that when the pink reginae-olgae is released for sale

'Tilebarn Jamie' should have twin scapes
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: ian mcenery on October 18, 2014, 01:55:30 PM
One thing I can do very easy: I can arrange different groups

very artistic Hagen ;)

I agree that it is generally a quite a bit colder in Berlin but mine did survive the very harsh recent winters with no ill effect -18 c min and max of  -10 C for 2 periods of one month ???.

With me the slugs get them before I can see them above ground and originally led me to believe that they weren't hardy - so they must be very tasty :-\   I now treat with a liquid slug killer before they are due to appear and until they have finished flowering
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 18, 2014, 02:19:04 PM
I feed slugs alternative food all year especially after a period of very dry weather followed by the first heavy rain. They cant resist the alternative
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: emma T on October 18, 2014, 05:35:42 PM
Did someone say pink snowdrop ? I want one ! I dream of pink snowdrops
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Tim Harberd on October 18, 2014, 05:49:44 PM
Just wondering if 'Cambridge' is the largest reginae-olgae that is readily available to buy?

elwesii 'Barnes' is three weeks early this year

Hi Mark,
    I'm always interested in size... Can you put a ruler on it please? To enable accurate comparison... A finger doiesn't quite do it..

Tim DH
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 18, 2014, 06:50:04 PM
Did someone say pink snowdrop ? I want one ! I dream of pink snowdrops

Waiting for a photo. Monday hopefully
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 18, 2014, 06:50:59 PM
Tim, I'll do that tomorrow
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: art600 on October 18, 2014, 11:15:21 PM
I promised a photo of my Galanthus 'Peter Gatehouse' when the dreadful conditions abated.  Well 5 inches of rain later I took the photos in the kitchen - hence the poor quality.  It is, however, possible to see it is 'Peter Gatehouse'

Forgot to add that I have a second pot in bud.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 18, 2014, 11:35:34 PM
Thank you Arthur, for going to the trouble to get photos of this early bird.  Great fun to see.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 19, 2014, 09:57:48 AM
Tim, 3cm

Arthur the mark is slightly wrong for Peter Gatehouse. Do they all have the same mark? Actually it looks OK
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 19, 2014, 10:58:14 AM
Tim the difference between going out last night and measuring in the dark and this morning is a couple of mm
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Tony Willis on October 19, 2014, 01:25:44 PM
Galanthus 'Barnes' today

(seem to have lost the picture)
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: freddyvl on October 19, 2014, 04:28:39 PM
- 'Early to Rize', with a typical triangular outline
- r.-o. 'Hyde Lodge', with small chubby flowers on relative tall scapes
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Tim Harberd on October 19, 2014, 08:45:54 PM
Tim the difference between going out last night and measuring in the dark and this morning is a couple of mm

Thanks Mark.... for measuring it twice!
   Tim DH
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: uvularia on October 19, 2014, 09:05:59 PM
Hi Folks!
I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to the variation in the flowering times of the R-O and elwesii earlies? I am beginning to feel left out. All I have out is G. peshmenii. Tile Barn Jamie is just peeping through. Not a sign of Peter Gatehouse, Cambridge & Barnes! Mine were kept bone dry over the summer. Does anyone think it helps to start watering them in early August?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Tony Willis on October 19, 2014, 09:22:41 PM
I water all my bulbs for the first time om 1st September. The galanthus are kept slightly moist all summer.

Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 19, 2014, 10:54:49 PM
My snowdrops in the green house are kept completely dry from they go over until September - I forget about them!
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 20, 2014, 07:20:40 AM
My snowdrops are either planted in the garden or, if recent acquisitions, live outside in pots and are not watered except by rainfall.   My reginae-olgae have only appeared in the last couple of weeks, which is a bit later than usual.  But many of my early elwesii are showing, which is a month earlier than in some years.  I have generally found:
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 20, 2014, 08:46:56 AM
Paul, I water all mine once at the beginning of September (with miracle gro this year), apart from that they get the rain and nothing else until in growth.  The weather being dry retards their growth, wet either kills them off  ;) or gives them an earlier season as far as I can tell.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 20, 2014, 08:50:10 AM
ps I think it also depends a lot on how long you have had them/planted them out, younger bulbs seem to take a bit longer to fit into the rhythm.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Roma on October 20, 2014, 10:45:16 AM
Galanthus reginae-olgae
Galanthus corcyrensis  - a bit earlier this year.  I split up a clump last year and planted some in a sunny spot in the front garden wher this is flowering.  The ones at the back of the house which get no sun while they are above the ground are showing but not yet open.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 20, 2014, 03:09:04 PM
My first G. elwesii 'Peter Gatehouse' of the season (with some reginae olgae in the background).  There are more coming through in various earlier stages although (unless I've had losses) the majority are still below ground.  A week ago I don't think there was anything to be seen so I would not worry too much if yours aren't through yet.  'Barnes' is a few cm above ground and early elwesiis 'Remember Remember' and 'Hollis' (in pots as only acquired at the start of this year) are also showing.                                       
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 20, 2014, 07:04:58 PM
... Early to Rize,  ... well on the way - all in open ground.

- 'Early to Rize', with a typical triangular outline

'Early to rize' is high-up on my wants list but I've never seen it for sale commercially.  Does anyone know if it is sold and if so, by who?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: snowdropcollector on October 21, 2014, 03:08:04 PM
Alan, Early to Rize was for sale last year with North Green.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnstephen29 on October 23, 2014, 06:58:51 PM
Hi two Galanthus species have come into flower here, first is Galanthus Cilicicus os from Kirsten & lars in Denmark, it's not hardy here so I'm growing it in a pot. Next is Galanthus reginae Olgae tile barn Jamie, I was curious about the name, I know Peter Moore who owned tile barn through the cyclamen society & have been down to the nursery a few times before it closed, he named some of his cyclamen introductions after members of his family and I wonded if it was the same with this Galanthus, so I asked sarah from black smith cottage nursery who I got it from if she knew anything about it, she got back to me  and said she had a look in her Galanthus nook and it said it has been around since the late 80's and that it was named after his father. It's alway nice to know a bit about the plants you've bought.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/15609522565_ee66a3ea02_c.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/126223196@N05/15609522565/)
Galanthus Cilicicus os (https://www.flickr.com/photos/126223196@N05/15609522565/) by johnstephen29 (https://www.flickr.com/people/126223196@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15423531207_079b175346_c.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/126223196@N05/15423531207/)
Galanthus Reginae-Olgae Tilebarn Jamie (https://www.flickr.com/photos/126223196@N05/15423531207/) by johnstephen29 (https://www.flickr.com/people/126223196@N05/), on Flickr

Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 23, 2014, 07:02:22 PM
Every fine plant should tell us a nice fine story. Thank you for your story about a very special R r-o!
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnstephen29 on October 23, 2014, 07:04:36 PM
Crikey Hagen that was a quick response  :)
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: art600 on October 24, 2014, 10:06:57 AM
Was delighted to find snowdrops emerging in my front garden.  These are generally elwesii as I inherited many when I moved here.  I have added odd bulbs at repotting time including several peshmenii/reginae-olgae.

Looking closer at what is clearly not elwesii, I noticed that it was different from the norm  8) :o 8)

Below are my attempts to get a representative photo.  Impossible in the garden as this dreadful weather continues.  I will be potting up the plant and hope to see the same next year.

There are no leaves to aid identification.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 24, 2014, 11:53:40 AM
That's a pretty-looking flower, Arthur, but you need to show us the leaves if you want help with identification.

Many/all of the autumn reginae-olgae cultivars should be capable of growing outside in the UK, given suitable conditions.  I'm not sure about peshmenii.  I don't know of any elwesii/reginae-olgae hybrids although somehow there is an early-flowering snowdrop that is supposed to be an elwesii/rizensis hybrid.

Weather here is not too bad; have you offended a rain god?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: art600 on October 24, 2014, 12:02:21 PM
Alan

You beat me to the edit I was going to make to add - there are no leaves to help identification.

More than 5 inches in the last two weeks is exceptional.  Local roads have been flooded.  Just hope we do not have a winter like the last one.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 24, 2014, 04:24:30 PM
Galanthus reginae olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie' in flower at the moment.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 25, 2014, 07:36:06 AM
Looking closer at what is clearly not elwesii, ..... There are no leaves to aid identification.

In early elwesii the supervolute furled leaves often form an 'upturned pipe' through which the flower emerges.  You may not see much of the leaves but you always see something of them.   
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 25, 2014, 11:08:02 AM
Never saw a Ge, full flowering but without any sign of leaves.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 25, 2014, 12:28:15 PM
I'm glad we agree, Hagen.  But now I've thought of this I guess I will have to start looking for one, just in case they do exist somewhere amongst the general elwesii Hiemalis Group. 
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: freddyvl on October 25, 2014, 03:59:13 PM
Twinscale bulbtop 'The Whopper'   ;D
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Lina Hesseling on October 25, 2014, 08:10:40 PM
Freddy, you are the champion!
How many do you get from the rest of the bulb????
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: pehe on October 26, 2014, 11:54:47 AM
I was surprised as I checked my seed frames  :o

1- 4. A Galanthus Reginae Olgae seedling flowering for the first time. Sown 2011
5. Its parents. Unnamed RGO.

Poul
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 26, 2014, 12:31:52 PM
Very nice Poul, and good to see it flowering in a reasonable amount of time.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 26, 2014, 07:15:25 PM
It does not strike me as remotely reminiscent of a cup or goblet but it's a near-perfect example of what we mean by poculiform, Poul.  Let's hope it does the same thing every year.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 26, 2014, 07:23:46 PM
I was surprised as I checked my seed frames  :o

1- 4. A Galanthus Reginae Olgae seedling flowering for the first time. Sown 2011
5. Its parents. Unnamed RGO.

Poul
Poul, what a delight it must have been for you to discover this wonderful poc from G. r. o. seed sowed just three years ago.  I hope it holds this wonderful pristine form for you in the coming years.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: pehe on October 26, 2014, 07:49:56 PM
Thank you all!
I have put it in my frame of 'specials' and will have an eye on it the next years to see if it is consistent.

Poul
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Natalia on October 27, 2014, 02:35:45 PM
Maybe little no for this theme - last year I tried to Chipping snowdrops  I have previously used this method only for reproduction of hyacinths.

Young bulb  the age of 1 year and 4 months  - сhipping adult  bulbs  -  the end of June 2013
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Maggi Young on October 27, 2014, 02:50:48 PM
Well done, Natalia  -  a cute and healthy "baby" !
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Natalia on October 27, 2014, 05:01:18 PM
Thank you, Maggi,
In early October, I was planting last year's results in the ground.
He is not alone - just the other clung to the earthen clod, and in this part of the pot earthen clod crumbled :)
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 27, 2014, 05:31:20 PM
Exciting isn't it Natalie?  Well done ;D
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 27, 2014, 06:52:25 PM
Pehe. Who were the parents of your fine poc sedling?
I cannot believe that you fine seedling had normal parents!
Well done, Poul  :)
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on October 27, 2014, 06:57:00 PM
Natalia, do you have any chance to protect your fine young bulbs?
All my twinscaled young bulbs stay in pots until the first flower(3. year).
And you have siberian coldness in Moscow.

Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: RichardW on October 28, 2014, 06:35:36 AM
elwesii Barnes yesterday, moved a few times but doing well now.

Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 28, 2014, 07:49:24 AM
What conditions were required to make Barnes happy, Richard?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Brian Ellis on October 28, 2014, 08:15:15 AM
elwesii Barnes yesterday, moved a few times but doing well now.

Interesting Richard, I would be interested to know too.  I moved my Barnes from the front garden (shady) to the back in full sun and it seems to have made a difference in flowering of weeks!  Now flowering as everyone else's does ;D
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: RichardW on October 28, 2014, 08:45:25 AM
What conditions were required to make Barnes happy, Richard?

Like Brian's mine were shady but now in a very sunny spot + some added drainage which I generally do when planting anyway.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Paddy Tobin on October 28, 2014, 12:03:31 PM
Alan, G. 'Barnes' never gave  more than a sprinkle of flowers for many years and then last year, out of the blue, there was a big display. I had done nothing to them but won't complain about the change in performance.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Natalia on October 28, 2014, 01:00:05 PM
Hagen, I plant the young bulbils in the beds protected from the bottom grid of mice and the mole. Surface mulch of pine bark or leaf.  This week I will try to photograph and show you.
  Unfortunately I do not have a heated greenhouse, but in small pots in the winter bulbils are much colder, and in summer the earth in the pots too quickly dries.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 28, 2014, 04:58:36 PM
"Hollis" from the elwesii Hiemalis Group and new with me this year.  The leaves grow very  large and, perhaps because of this, it did not transplant too well in February and the leaves remained semi-prostrate for the rest of last season.  Now it seems fine but set-back, with this the only flower.  The outer petals are still coyly concealing the inner marking.   
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: pehe on October 28, 2014, 06:55:06 PM
Pehe. Who were the parents of your fine poc sedling?
I cannot believe that you fine seedling had normal parents!
Well done, Poul  :)

Thank you Hagen!
The parents are the group shown on the last pic even if the pic-text says seedlings.
None of them show any poc sign.

Poul
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Rick Goodenough on October 29, 2014, 12:42:27 AM
"Hollis" from the elwesii Hiemalis Group and new with me this year.  The leaves grow very  large and, perhaps because of this, it did not transplant too well in February and the leaves remained semi-prostrate for the rest of last season.  Now it seems fine but set-back, with this the only flower.  The outer petals are still coyly concealing the inner marking.   
Alan, My first seeing this handsome cultivar, thanks for posting...a beauty.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 29, 2014, 06:46:25 AM
'Hollis' originates from Dr Dowling Munro, who is now an occasional contributor to this forum.  Maybe he can tell us the story behind its discovery? 
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Philip Walker on October 30, 2014, 11:45:28 AM
My single bulb of G.peshmenii
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Alan_b on October 30, 2014, 01:01:18 PM
My single bulb of G.peshmenii

'Great oaks from small acorns ...' and big clumps from a single bulb - eventually.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 30, 2014, 01:17:41 PM
My G. reginae-olgae that live in a south facing trough. They get baked in the summer if it gets hot enough and drenched when its wet yet they thrive. The label is long gone but I suspect they are 'Cambridge'. They look like my 'Cambridge'
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: RichardW on October 31, 2014, 06:26:23 AM
That's encouraging, did the same with most of my RO after losing so many a few years ago (thought being able to protect them from heavy snow might help) and wondered if I had done the right thing, what else if growing in the trough?
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: annew on October 31, 2014, 09:39:42 AM
My trough full of G reginae-olgae was doing very well, but all were killed in the bad winter of 2010-11.
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: mark smyth on October 31, 2014, 10:41:13 AM
Mine survived the winter of 2010/11.

Their troughs on December 18th 2010
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: johnw on October 31, 2014, 11:19:05 AM
One year they were in flower in January and a night of -15c with no snow caused them to collapse but they fully recovered the next day.

They only seem to last a few years here.  Snow is great for them but very wet soil combined with our relentless freeze thaws get them, as well as intense protracted cold & snowless ground.  They don't even persist in protected spots where the Nerines - bowdenii - grow.

I wonder if they are areas within its range that would better merit collection?

johnw
Title: Re: October snowdrops
Post by: Maritfri on October 31, 2014, 06:14:33 PM
This snowdrop are new this year. We hope it will enjoy here in the garden  :)

[attachimg=1]
Galanthus peshmenii

Marit
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