librarian2003 (librarian2003) wrote in weagardening, @ 2009-06-22 19:39:00 |
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Week 5 - Plant of the Week - Little Blue Bulbs
In recent years, the RHS carried out trials for the AGM award on a group of bulbs of the Hyacinth family. This was done under the title 'Little Blue Bulbs', which is a very apt description.
Here's the handout:
GARDENING FOR PLEASURE
Plant of the week
‘Little Blue Bulbs’ Family : Hyacinthaceae
Compared to the more ‘traditional’ spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops, the smaller, frost-hardy, blue-flowered members of the Hyacinthaceae family are perhaps much less familiar as garden plants. With the exception of a few of the grape hyacinths (Muscari) and squills (Scilla) most of the species in this group are uncommon in gardens, and yet when grown under the right conditions some can be of considerable garden value and interest. In the 1980s a botanical review of the large family Liliaceae resulted in the proposal that it should be split up into many smaller families, one of which was Hyacinthaceae. Nearly all the really frost-hardy species belonging to the family Hyacinthaceae originate from the Mediterranean region eastwards through Turkey to Asia. They belong mainly to the genera Muscari, Scilla, Hyacinthoides, Chionodoxa, Puschkinia, Brimeura, Hyacinthella, Bellevalia, Hyacinthus and Ornithogalum.
In 2003, the RHS trialled the smaller, blue members of this group, under the name ‘Little Blue Bulbs’.
Bellevalia
Fifty or so species from scrub and maquis in S Europe and Asia. Racemes of bell-shaped flowers similar to Muscari, mostly in white, lilac or violet-blue, often fading to brown. Plant 4 inches deep in any well-drained soil in full sun. Divide congested clumps to maintain vigour. Most prefer to be kept dry in summer. Sow seed in autumn or remove offsets while dormant in summer. Pest and disease free.
Brimeura
Three species from meadows, maquis and scrubland in SE Europe. They have slender racemes of bell-shaped flowers, reminiscent of small bluebells, in spring. Plant 2 inches deep, in humus rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Free of pests and diseases. Propagate from seed sown as soon as ripe, or division of clumps in summer. Only Brimeura amethystina AGM is readily available.
Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)
Six species from mountains and forests in Crete, W. Turkey and Cyprus. Racemes of star-shaped flowers in early spring. Most can be grown under trees and shrubs, where they can self-seed freely. Plant 3 inches deep in any well-drained soil in full sun. Sow seed as soon as ripe, or remove offsets in summer. Pest and disease free. C. luciliae, C. sardensis, and C. siehei hold the AGM.
xChionoscilla
One hybrid cross between Chionodoxa siehei and Scilla bifolia. Short racemes of brilliant blue flowers in spring. Can be used beneath trees and shrubs. Plant 3 inches deep in sun or partial shade. Propagate by removing offsets in summer. Pest and disease free. × Chionoscilla allenii 'Frà Angelico' AGM is most readily available.
Hyacinthella
About 16 species from E and SE Europe to W. Asia, on scree and stony hillsides and open pine forest. Racemes of bell-shaped flowers in spring. They prefer to be dry in summer. Plant 2-3 inches deep in fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Propagate from seed sown in autumn or remove offsets in summer when dormant. Pest and disease free.
Hyacinthoides (Bluebell)
3 or 4 species from deciduous woodland and moist meadows in W Europe and North Africa. Racemes of bell-shaped flowers in spring, in blue, white or pink. Ideal for naturalizing in grass or for underplanting in a shrub border. Plant 3 inches deep in a moderately fertile humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in dappled shade. H. hispanica tolerates a wide range of soils. Sow seed as soon as ripe, keep shaded and do not allow to dry out. Remove offsets in summer. Pest and disease free. H. italica has an AGM.
Muscari (Grape hyacinth)
30 species from the Mediterranean and SW Asia. Racemes of flowers in spring or occasionally autumn. The lower fertile flowers are sometimes crowned by smaller, paler sterile ones. Plant 4 inches deep in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Divide congested clumps to maintain vigour, when dormant in summer. Sow seed in autumn or remove offsets in summer. They can be prone to viruses. Muscari armeniacum, Muscari armeniacum 'Christmas Pearl', Muscari armeniacum 'Saffier', Muscari aucheri, Muscari azureum, Muscari 'Jenny Robinson', Muscari latifolium, and Muscari pseudomuscari have all been awarded an AGM.
Puschkinia
One species from the Middle East, in damp grassland where snow has recently melted. Racemes of pale blue flowers with a darker stripe, in spring. Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade, but likes to be kept cooler in summer. Sow seed in summer or autumn, or remove offsets in summer. Can be prone to viruses.
Scilla
About 90 species from Europe, southern Africa, and Asia. Flowers are usually blue, but may be pink, white or purple. Naturalizes well in grass or under trees or shrubs. Plant 3-4 inches deep in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Sow seed as soon as ripe. Divide and pot up offsets when dormant. Scilla bifolia, Scilla bithynica, Scilla litardierei, Scilla mischtschenkoana, Scilla mischtschenkoana 'Tubergeniana', Scilla persica, and Scilla siberica have been awarded an AGM.
Jo Hanslip
May 2009
Sources include:
RHS Little Blue Bulbs Trial
https://www.rhs.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/8FC
Images and information
http://www.cgf.net/plants.php
And here are the pictures:
Little Blue Bulbs
Enjoy
Jo