Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Bulbs => Galanthus => Topic started by: johnralphcarpenter on November 02, 2016, 05:46:39 PM

Title: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on November 02, 2016, 05:46:39 PM
Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie', a few weeks after the others.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Brian Ellis on November 04, 2016, 09:22:12 AM
Bart, you may be interested in the Field of Blooms list:
http://www.fieldofblooms.ie/galanthus/ (http://www.fieldofblooms.ie/galanthus/)
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Leena on November 05, 2016, 10:19:05 AM
I bought my first named cultivars  five years ago, now I have 76 different named ones  :), plus nameless nivalis, elwesii and some woronovii, which I have grown longer. Last summer I thought that this is enough, but somehow ended up buying some more (because of brexit).  ::)  For me the important thing has been that if I buy, I will do it from sellers which have good reputation for selling the snowdrops which are true to name. I don't have money to waste to wrong plants, even if they seem as a bargain.
Most of mine have started as one bulb, and I'm waiting for them to multiply so that I can divide them and get more lovely clumps, and I have already been able to do so with the first ones. Of the 76, 15 have been swaps or gifts from friendly forumists, which I'm really grateful  :)  I have tried to build up my collection of snowdrops so that I have different types and ones which would be recognizable from each other. Now I wait for them to cross with each other and produce seeds, so that someday I would have a lot of seedlings and hopefully there will be new interesting ones if my original snowdrops are different enough and have a wide gene pool (though I don't do pollinating myself, bees can do it for me), and perhaps those snowdrops are even more adapted to growing here than the mother plants. Five years have gone quickly, and I'm so happy with my snowdrops, and how they are (and will be in the future) in the spring garden, which has been my main aim in the first place. To some day have a lovely spring garden with lot of interesting plants.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: ashley on November 05, 2016, 11:08:21 AM
Yes hopefully the bees can weave some magic with this wide gene pool and give you vigorous, well-adapted seedlings Leena. 
Then to choose beautiful Finnish names for the best of them, maybe from the Kalevala ;)

Here Galanthus cilicicus and reginae-olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie', both in pots.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 05, 2016, 03:33:31 PM
I continue to enjoy the terrific photos of autumn blooming drops by so many of you. I have a source for a G. 'Tilebarn Jamie' and on seeing these photos, I am doubly amped about adding it. 

I am happy to have this un-named G. reginae-olgae in bloom this week in SE Massachusetts, US. The season is underway!

Rick
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Leena on November 05, 2016, 04:39:24 PM
Yes hopefully the bees can weave some magic with this wide gene pool and give you vigorous, well-adapted seedlings Leena. 
Then to choose beautiful Finnish names for the best of them, maybe from the Kalevala ;)

 :) :)
It will still be many years before I can start thinking about Finnish names. :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: johnw on November 05, 2016, 10:02:52 PM
The first Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie' came out yesterday or the previous day.

john
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 06, 2016, 12:53:06 AM
Nice to see your G. 'Tilebarn Jamie', John. Someday! Rick
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: johnw on November 06, 2016, 02:15:06 AM
Rick - We have an awful time with these r-os, counts go up to 50 and then rot sets in - one poorly timed watering mid-winter - and the counts go down to the 20s.  'Cambridge' is at the lowest ever at 6 whereas r-o Vernalis 'Alex Duguid' seems to be marching forward.   G. corcyrensis count is 45 so Roma was spot on with that one as a good-doer.  Best is a cross of G. corcyrensis x 'Cambridge' which is bulking up nicely to 35 already, no flowers yet.  You're welcome to any r-os if out east.

I now pot singly or at least in modest numbers per pot, avoid peat/bark and up the pumice in r-o pots.

The incessant dampness here may be a major factor though this year is the exception and the ground is still parched down 10-15cm.


john
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Brian Ellis on November 06, 2016, 10:08:52 AM
You're doing well with Alex Duguid John, the year before last I had two leaves, last year a crop of flowers and this year. so far, nothing...but they are out in the garden!
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Paul Cumbleton on November 06, 2016, 11:10:56 AM
A nice potful of Galanthus peshmenii has been cheering this week.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: johnw on November 06, 2016, 03:18:34 PM
You're doing well with Alex Duguid John, the year before last I had two leaves, last year a crop of flowers and this year. so far, nothing...but they are out in the garden!


I should be documenting flowering more precisely Brian but seems to me it is an on-again-off-againer.  Certainly a good one though.  Here a shot from 2012, may flower yet this year.


johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: johnw on November 06, 2016, 03:20:22 PM
A nice potful of Galanthus peshmenii has been cheering this week.


Paul - I'd certainly be cheered by a pot like that, as always pure perfection.  Do tell us your magic mix.


johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Paul Cumbleton on November 06, 2016, 07:03:25 PM
Hi John,
I should say this pot was actually grown by my other half Colin. No magic mix I'm afraid, just a 50/50 mix of John Innes 2 and grit. Colin says he tries to keep it evenly moist through the growing season, and feeds it regularly with half strength fertiliser (high potash type). Towards the end of the growing season he gives an extra potash boost by substituting half the regular fertiliser with pure sulphate of potash. This clone came to us originally from the late Kath Dryden many years ago. We got two bulbs from her. It increases very well - last year Colin was able to sell over 80 spare bulbs.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 07, 2016, 03:14:43 AM
John,

Thank you for your culture tips and insights on growing G.r.o. My in ground plantings have returned for a second year, but have not started to bulk up. I would love to see your snowdrops someday.

Regards,

Rick
Rick - We have an awful time with these r-os, counts go up to 50 and then rot sets in - one poorly timed watering mid-winter - and the counts go down to the 20s.  'Cambridge' is at the lowest ever at 6 whereas r-o Vernalis 'Alex Duguid' seems to be marching forward.   G. corcyrensis count is 45 so Roma was spot on with that one as a good-doer.  Best is a cross of G. corcyrensis x 'Cambridge' which is bulking up nicely to 35 already, no flowers yet.  You're welcome to any r-os if out east.

I now pot singly or at least in modest numbers per pot, avoid peat/bark and up the pumice in r-o pots.

The incessant dampness here may be a major factor though this year is the exception and the ground is still parched down 10-15cm.


john
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: annew on November 07, 2016, 09:37:42 AM
At last! My pot of G. reginae-olgae Tessera has 50% of it's flowers showing 4 outers and inners, although some are not fully formed. It must be a maturity question. Now I've turned 60  ::)
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Maggi Young on November 07, 2016, 11:43:06 AM
 :o :o

 ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: ruben on November 08, 2016, 11:42:57 AM
very nice Anne!

the yellow reginae olgae more developed!
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 08, 2016, 01:41:57 PM
I cannot see any green or yellow on the inner petal, Ruben.  Is that correct?
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: ruben on November 08, 2016, 06:26:34 PM
Alan, yes that is correct! Some others who are growing this collection grow it under the name yellow albino form
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Brian Ellis on November 09, 2016, 09:15:29 AM
I hope that Joe has a name in mind so that in the future it is not a muddle, it would be a shame for such an interesting snowdrop.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Maggi Young on November 09, 2016, 01:00:28 PM
Paul Barney‎  of Edulis Nursery  has  posted on FB:

I just thought I would let people know my Galanthus 2017 sales list will be live on 10th December. It has increased in size to 200+ varieties for sale. Mostly in small numbers. Here are a couple G. 'Faint Heart', G. koenenianus, G. 'Martin' , G. 'Rosemary Burnham' & G. 'Wessex Titan'. Please email edulisnursery@gmail.com or message me  if you would like to be sent the list.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Brian Ellis on November 09, 2016, 08:24:10 PM
Thanks for that Maggi :-*
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: uvularia on November 10, 2016, 09:57:38 PM
Some of you may have seen that my Galanthus list will be available on the 10th December. Feel free to message me if you want the list and didn't see the
message on Facebook. I hope it is of interest. 200+ on the list. Just writing the list is bad enough!
 
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: ruben on November 11, 2016, 01:33:59 PM
Galanthus reg olg 'Eleni' with is stunning shape
Galanthus reg olg 'Mulberry'
Galanthus reg olg 'Heracles' - with 4 outers
Galanthus reg olg 'Stravoula'
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: YT on November 11, 2016, 03:04:29 PM
Galanthus reginae-olgae, early form. Ex. S Greece, Taygetos Mountains.

It's not early for you but my place...
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: ruben on November 11, 2016, 04:52:17 PM
Nice green outers Tatsuo!
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: YT on November 13, 2016, 06:58:28 AM
Thanks, ruben :) It's from Janis.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Gail on November 13, 2016, 07:40:55 PM
This is my G. peshmenii 'Green Flight' - a birthday self-indulgence this year! Markings on the outer petals are paler than Ruben's plant he showed last month. I'm hoping it becomes more striking as it matures (always supposing I can keep the thing alive...)
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: ruben on November 17, 2016, 01:48:57 PM
Galanthus elwesii diggory look a like
Galanthus elwesii 'Frank Lebsa'
Galanthus elwesii 'Sweeheart'
Galanthus reg olg 'Heracles'
Galanthus reg olg 'Hyde Lodge'
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Maggi Young on November 17, 2016, 03:35:17 PM
Galanthus reg olg 'Hyde Lodge' has  a lovely shape. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Matt T on November 18, 2016, 12:42:17 PM
A selection of Galanthus reginae olgae cultivars here, including:

'Tilebarn Jamie' - uppermost two flowers and some smaller secondary scapes coming up.
'Eleni' - largest flower centre.
'Cambridge' - furthest right.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: YT on November 20, 2016, 01:55:16 PM
A nice bunch of snowdrops, Matt :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: YT on November 20, 2016, 01:57:52 PM
A friend of mine gave me some bulbs as Galanthus elwesii var. monostictus :) But I think it could be G. peshmenii ???
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 20, 2016, 03:28:10 PM
You'll know for sure when the leaves emerge.  Many autumn-flowering elwesii flower with the leaves showing but not all.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: YT on November 20, 2016, 04:09:16 PM
Thank you, Alan :) I'll have a look.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: mark smyth on November 20, 2016, 06:20:18 PM
It's going to be another early season here.

Galanthus elwesii ex Rix is flowering 6 weeks early. Above ground are 'Britten's Kite',' S. Arnott', 'Cicely Hall', 'The Whopper' and 'Mrs McNamara'. Fly Fishing is about a week away from opening.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 21, 2016, 09:32:51 AM
A lady who came to talk to my local Gardening Club had a snowdrop that she had brought from her old garden in Norfolk to her new garden in Hertfordshire when she moved there some few decades ago.  It was a Galanthus plicatus var. byzantinus and she was certain that it used to flower in November but now flowers early in January.  I was very surprised to hear of a snowdrop that had 'gone backwards' - to the extent that I found it difficult to believe.  I wondered if somehow over the years the original had died-out and been replaced by a seedling without this being noticed.  She attributed the change to warmer weather in general and also where she now lived compared to Norfolk.  Her thought was that it was cold weather that brought-on the snowdrop to flower - which doesn't seem to accord with general experience nor with flowering times in Scotland compared to here in the south of England.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 21, 2016, 11:52:12 AM
Not the best photograph because I had to balance whilst poking my camera under a bush to take it.  But in my opinion this is one of the best of the autumn-flowering snowdrops.  That hint of green you see on the inner petals means it must be Galanthus elwesii 'Peter Gatehouse'.  This comes into flower from late October to late November here, depending on the year. Unlike many autumn-flowering elwesii, the flowers usually emerge before the leaves have unfurled.  In this photograph it is growing under a winter honeysuckle bush in ground that is too parched for anything to flourish in summer.[attachimg=1]   
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: johnw on November 21, 2016, 02:46:08 PM
Much to my shock, last week Ken found a reginae-olgae in flower in a bed where I out lost-labelled snowdrops!  Wonder if it's a "corcyrensis"?


johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 21, 2016, 03:42:40 PM
"Corcyrensis" meaning one that originated from Corfu? 
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: johnw on November 21, 2016, 06:45:57 PM
Alan  - My "corcyrensis" came from Germany many years ago and I was told to keep that name with to distinguish it from other r-os I had or would get eventually back then.  Perhaos the nurseryman thought it was hardier. As it survived here I thought maybe Roma's experience with corcyrensis as being hardy for her might help lead me to an identification in the lola bed.


An old pic of another one, I'll have to go out and do some crawling about.  I likely have the original notes somewhere.


john
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: ruben on November 21, 2016, 07:12:06 PM
I really love 'Peter Gatehouse' to Alan! Still one of the best

3 snowdrops with the title 'If I was an Ant'
- Galanthus elwesii 'Frank Lebsa'
- Galanthus elwesii 'Sweetheart'
- Galanthus reg olg 'Heracles'
- Galanthus reg olg 'Hyde Lodge'
- Galanthus reg olg spontanious seedling
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: ruben on November 21, 2016, 07:13:10 PM
Galanthus elwesii 'Santa Claus'
Galanthus reg olg 'Sofia'
Galanthus chubby flower- diggory lookalike
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Matt T on November 24, 2016, 06:04:23 PM
Galanthus reginae olgae 'Eleni' and 'Cambridge' still looking good here, the cold spell keeping them fresh.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Tony Willis on November 25, 2016, 10:23:31 AM
Galanthus cilicicus
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 25, 2016, 01:13:22 PM
'Remember Remember' is one of the earliest of the Hiemalis Group elwesiis.  I bought mine from the Glen Chantry sales table at the first AGS snowdrop event so just short of three years ago and it has bulked-up well since (I have another small group elsewhere).  In the previous two years it has managed to flower in time for the 5th November - but not this year.  The scapes are very long and I've heard criticism that they tend to flop but I've not had any real problems with this.  Anyway, we put-up with all sorts of plants that do need some support so I would advise anyone considering this snowdrop not to be put-off.
[attachimg=1]   
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 25, 2016, 01:27:45 PM
I bought 'Else Grollenberg' from its originator, Wim Postema, earlier this year and so far I have been very impressed.  The bulbs were huge for a snowdrop and they are producing multiple 'noses'.  I only have one flower so far but more to come.  It's a larger flower with long narrow outer petals.  By the way, the netting you can see is to prevent squirrels trying to bury their nuts in my pots.
[attachimg=1]     
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 25, 2016, 02:24:09 PM
This is an unnamed Hiemalis Group elwesii that generally flowers in December - but this one decided to come early.  I have grown it for quite a few years now and and it has proven quite prolific.  Unfortunately I have lost track of where it came from originally; it could be one of several that I have bought as unnamed early snowdrops over the years since 2002.
[attachimg=1] 
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Leena on November 26, 2016, 10:08:19 AM
Here after two weeks of winter in the beginning of November the snow has now melted and last ten days were above freezing. Yesterday I noticed both 'Cambridge' and 'Tilebarn Jamie' showing their nosed above ground. Too late, because from tomorrow on the weather forecast says it will be below freezing again as long as it shows. December is supposed to be colder than normal here this year. Let's just hope those snowdrops stop to grow for now and continue in the spring. :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: mark smyth on November 26, 2016, 03:49:47 PM
Fly Fishing is about a week away from opening.

That didn't happen. We've just had a week of -4 to -7c. N Ireland just had its coldest nights in 2016
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 28, 2016, 11:31:09 PM
The first elwesii to bloom in my garden this autumn. It is from a bulk order from 2015 and opened very early last year and on our wedding anniversary, November 5 this year. While it is un-named, my garden name while it proves itself is Mayfair Chapel which is the venue of our wedding.

What a fun group of plants.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 29, 2016, 08:08:20 AM
I visited a garden nearby that had bought a bulk order of galanthus elwesii.  They had two that were early flowering like yours, Rick.  In principle these need some USP to merit a name although they keep cropping-up.  The latest here is 'Blue Octopus' from Matt bishop.  I have yet to see even a picture of that one.

Do you grow 'Standing Tall', distributed by Carolyn Walker?  That has the merit of being unusually marked but I would like to know where it fits in the schedule of early-flowering snowdrops.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 29, 2016, 12:24:38 PM
Yes, Alan, agree fully that this one is nice enough, but not distinctive or unusual, so it will remain unnamed unless it continues to be earlier than all of the other named early elwesii that I grow, then it may still remain unnamed, but I will send it around for testing in other geographic locations if that trait persists.

I did acquire 'Standing Tall' a couple of years ago and have not seen it nose up yet. I will try to notice the timing. My 'Remember Remember' is close to opening up, likely in the next few days.

Rick
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 29, 2016, 12:40:54 PM
Anything that can flower before 'Remember Remember' is impressive.  But flowering time can be very dependent on location.  I have 'Peter Gatehouse' scattered around my garden and the flowering times in the different locations can be weeks apart. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 29, 2016, 01:31:20 PM
This simple G.r.o. no name variety has been in bloom since October 23 which is presently the earliest bloomer in my garden and is still going November 29 in one location.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 29, 2016, 01:34:46 PM
This is G. 'Peter Gatehouse' which first opened in my garden on November 18.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 29, 2016, 01:39:48 PM
Last but not least, actually G. 'Barnes' is probably my favorite autumn bloomer so far and it began its bloom this year on November 9, and is still looking fresh today.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Maggi Young on November 29, 2016, 01:52:11 PM
Great to see what's happening with your 'drops, Rick.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 29, 2016, 03:32:39 PM
Thank you, Maggie! I have a new computer and it is taking me a while to figure out how to size photos with the new photo editor. Do these seem to be showing up as right sized for the Forum?

Any autumn drops gracing your garden today?

Best,

Rick
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Maggi Young on November 29, 2016, 06:09:52 PM
Showing your photos very nicely here, Rick.  No 'drops in the open garden at this time, but some G.  reginae-olgae's and  G. peshmenii under glass.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on November 29, 2016, 11:57:51 PM
Thanks Maggie. And of course don't forget to mention your two little Snowdrop impersonators.
Rick
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on November 30, 2016, 07:53:18 AM
... some G.  reginae-olgae's and  G. peshmenii under glass.
I'm sure we would love to see pictures, if Ian is not saving them for his Bulb Log.
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Maggi Young on November 30, 2016, 05:08:12 PM
Not a lot to see, Alan - I haven't many  and they're not placed for easy photography - what can I tell you - they're snowdrops, just like the others shown in these pages!
And I rather think they've already been in the Bulb Log!
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on December 04, 2016, 12:09:45 AM

Do you grow 'Standing Tall', distributed by Carolyn Walker?  That has the merit of being unusually marked but I would like to know where it fits in the schedule of early-flowering snowdrops.   

Alan, I spotted G. 'Standing Tall' today and took the photo below. It is about an inch high and with our cool autumn, I do not expect a bloom before Christmas. I will try to confirm when it finally opens up here.

Rick
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Alan_b on December 04, 2016, 09:36:26 AM
Thanks, Rick.  As you know, I have an interest in early snowdrops so your progress reports from another continent are of great interest to me.  We don't really know what factors influence flowering time although it can be very variable from year to year here.  Of the 'earlies' on my list that I own, I currently have flowers on:
Autumn Beauty (going over now)
Mary Hely Hutchinson
Remember Remember
Peter Gatehouse
Else Grollenberg
Kinn McIntosh

plus several unnamed Hiemalis Group elwesiis and some reginae-olgae.  That sounds a lot but apart from Peter Gatehouse I have at most a few of any one cultivar so it will take some years of good growth before I can aspire to a decent display in early December. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in November 2016
Post by: Rick Goodenough on December 04, 2016, 07:15:23 PM
Alan, I too am growing a few unnamed autumn blooming elwesii and G.r-o. I am also growing 'Remember Remember' and 'Peter Gatehouse' along with G.r-o. vernalis 'Alex Duguid' along with a few no shows! 'Alex Duguid' is in scape and the bud just dropped, so now if the sun would hit it and temps warm a bit, it will likely bloom soon.

Rick
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