January 2010 in the Southern Hemisphere

[Tecophilaea King]

You're way ahead of us with Lycoris, Bill! Ours won't start for another 2 months!
fermi[/quote]
Yes, this has been a very funny season so far fermi, with lots of frosts last winter and now with little rain for the last 6 weeks, we're getting close to drought conditions, with some plants reacting out of their normal flowering season.
With the Lycoris this time, (which were very dry in containers), only removed the old top layer of compost and topped it up with fresh potting mix and slow release fertiliser, gave them a drink, and hey presto, instant reaction, with some species exploding into flower, with more coming into bud.  
I've done the same thing with the Rhodophiala species with the same results.

[Tecophilaea King]

Rhodophiala are close relatives of Hippeastrum, under which many of the species were formely listed.
Rhodophialas typically have much narrower leaves and small bulbs with distinctive narrow necks.
They flower mainly in summer and have similar cultural requirements to Hippeastrums.
This Rhodophiala bifida is an specially selected outstanding red form of this genus and produces heads of small lustrous red trumpets with prominent golden anthers.
It is easily grown in a sunny position in ordinary well-drained soil or suitable container.
The bulbs pull themselves deep into the soil, unlike hippeastrums.
Rhodophiala chilense with dainty trumpets of yellow tipped with red, make this a very floriferous species.
R.chilense did not flower this time, so will post a picture from last season.

[Ragged Robin]

This Rhodophiala bifida is an specially selected outstanding red form of this genus and produces heads of small lustrous red trumpets with prominent golden anthers.

Absolutely gorgeous Bill, lustrous is such a good word to describe the red Rhodophiala bifida trumpets in your photo 

[cohan]

Rhodophiala are close relatives of Hippeastrum, under which many of the species were formely listed.
Rhodophialas typically have much narrower leaves and small bulbs with distinctive narrow necks.
They flower mainly in summer and have similar cultural requirements to Hippeastrums.
This Rhodophiala bifida is an specially selected outstanding red form of this genus and produces heads of small lustrous red trumpets with prominent golden anthers.
It is easily grown in a sunny position in ordinary well-drained soil or suitable container.
The bulbs pull themselves deep into the soil, unlike hippeastrums.
Rhodophiala chilense with dainty trumpets of yellow tipped with red, make this a very floriferous species.
R.chilense did not flower this time, so will post a picture from last season.

both wow--but really love the colouring of the chilense!

[krisderaeymaeker]

Waw ,stunning ,I am agree with Cohan.
Bought a small tuber of bifida   this autumn and now can wait to see it growing  ...

[Lesley Cox]

Two in flower at present are Campanula zoysii (bought recently, so no credit to me) and Silene hookeri Ingramii Group. These are from my own seed and there is some small variation in colour. Both are now in a trough. (see A New Bit of Garden.)

[krisderaeymaeker]

Two in flower at present are Campanula zoysii (bought recently, so no credit to me) and Silene hookeri Ingramii Group. These are from my own seed and there is some small variation in colour. Both are now in a trough. (see A New Bit of Garden.)

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I like the Silene hookeri Lesley .Seems it  like to flower very good.Mine are more modest ,both in the size of the flowers as with number of flowers...

[Lesley Cox]

Kris, the lower picture is of several plants together in a tray, all flowering for the first time. The individual flowers are about 3.5 to 4 cms across. If you think yours is smaller, would you like a little seed? There are several pods forming at present.

[krisderaeymaeker]

Kris, the lower picture is of several plants together in a tray, all flowering for the first time. The individual flowers are about 3.5 to 4 cms across. If you think yours is smaller, would you like a little seed? There are several pods forming at present.

That wil be great Lesley .I am sure that mine are smaller ...
So thanks !

[Lesley Cox]

send me your postal address by PM Kris.

[Tecophilaea King]

A very nice interesting Alstroemeria aurea with variegated leaves, recently photographed in the Parva Plants nursery, here in Tauranga.
Alstroemeria's of course make excellent cut flowers, with the variegated foliage as an extra bonus.
I am looking forward purchasing this beautiful plant as soon as it is released for sale.

[Lesley Cox]

That is certainly spectacular Bill. Is it as rampant as the "old" A. aurea? It almost looks as if it is.

Parva Plants nursery is now in or near Christchurch. Is there still a branch or something in Tauranga?

[fermi de Sousa]

A very nice interesting Alstroemeria aurea with variegated leaves, recently photographed in the Parva Plants nursery, here in Tauranga.
Alstroemeria's of course make excellent cut flowers, with the variegated foliage as an extra bonus.
I am looking forward purchasing this beautiful plant as soon as it is released for sale.

That is an amazing plant, Bill!
I'm sure there are a number of fans of all-things-variegated who would kill for it!
Do you know if it originated in their nursery or did they import it or buy iy locally?
cheers
fermi

[Ragged Robin]

It certainly is a striking combination with the blood red flowers atop the variegated leaves - they look larger than normal and the whole effect more bushy, Bill.

[mark smyth]

that is a stunning Alstroemeria