Hymenocallis 2011

[jshields]

We have several types of Hymenocallis here.  At the moment, H. eucharidifolia is getting ready to bloom. Several species have already bloomed, including the Mexican types guerreroensis and durangoensis.  I sent a few seeds of guerreroensis to the Pacific Bulb Society BX, and there are a few seeds of durangoensis which are too few to distribute.

There are two species that are hardy here -- H. occidentalis (a.k.a. caroliniana) which blooms in August or September in my area, and liriosme.  H. liriosme is not really hardy here.  One accession has survived outdoors, and only in one spot, at the south end of one greenhouse.  Here is a picture of liriosme in bloom at that spot in early June this year:

[wooden shoe]

Very nice Jim. A beautiful species. Very surprising it isn't more popular in the hobby.
Rob

[jshields]

Hymenocallis liriosme is still said to be common in nature, mainly in Louisiana and Texas.  It occurs in and along rivers, streams, and swamps.  Its close relative, H. occidentalis, occurs in drier uplands in and at the edges of woods.  H. occidentalis is rapidly disappearing in the wild.  I wish both were easier to grow here in Indiana.

Jim

[jshields]

Hymenocallis glauca is one of my favorite Mexican species.  The leaves are wide and a dusty blue-green color (glaucous in name and in fact).  I'm told the bulbs can get almost as big a crinum bulbs, but mine have not.  Maybe because they are kept in only 2-gallon (22 cm x 22 cm) pots.  They are kept completely dry in winter, under the benches in one of the greenhouses.  I sent a few seeds to the PBS BX this week.  The photo was taken in mid-June.

Jim

[JoshY46013]

Jim,

  Gorgeous plants!  I haven't too many Hymenocallis sp., they're quite beautiful.  I have a hard time distinguishing between species.

  There is a sp. growing in a family members back yard in S. Indiana, they have a lot of wooded property and it's tucked in the woods, it's beautiful!  I told them they must not disturb it considering these plants are lacking in this area.

Josh

[jshields]

Very likely the ones in Southern Indiana are Hymenocallis occidentalis, a close relative of H. liriosme but native to drier uplands and wooded areas.  H. occidentalis has always been very rare in Indiana and is becoming rare throughout it native range of Texas and Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and southern-most Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.

If seeds don't set naturally, you can hand-pollinate them.  The bulbs I have came from Tennessee and Arkansas by way of Southern Indiana.  I usually try to hand pollinate them when mine bloom.

Jim

[JoshY46013]

Jim, do you know when they usually bloom around here?  I can have someone hand pollinate them and hopefully get seed to share via PBS or whatnot!

[jshields]

Hymenocallis occidentalis normally blooms in Indiana in late July to early September, depending on weather and various imponderables.  I think it is best to cross-pollinate, i.e., transfer pollen from a flower on one plant to a flower on a separate plant.  You may have to instruct in floral anatomy as well!

Jim

[Ezeiza]

Jim, your images of Hymenocallises are very useful. Specially those of the foliage. From your previous one, I have just confirmed  my H. glaucas ID.

Please upload more photos of yours.

[JoshY46013]

Hymenocallis occidentalis normally blooms in Indiana in late July to early September, depending on weather and various imponderables.  I think it is best to cross-pollinate, i.e., transfer pollen from a flower on one plant to a flower on a separate plant.  You may have to instruct in floral anatomy as well!

Jim

Jim,

  I'm sure I will need to instruct them, they're just a tad clueless.  I'll have them keep an eye out, thanks

[jshields]

Hymenocallis eucharidifolia is in bloom.

Jim

[JoshY46013]

Jim,

  Very nice!   Mine wont seem to wake up this year, the bulb is firm and such, any ideas?

[jshields]

Josh, they probably need to be warm -- outdoors rather than in the air conditioning.  They probably need to be kept warm in winter too.  I've been losing eucharidifolia in the cool greenhouse in winter.

Jim

[JoshY46013]

Jim,

  It's been outside since late may or so, hopefully it starts soon!

[jshields]

I'm drying some pollen from eucharidifolia.  I didn't get much, and there is not much on thee anthers.  It might give enough for a couple pollinations.  The only Hymenocallis left still to bloom with be occidentalis, if any of mine bloom this year.