[ Species Iris (Iris verna var. smalliana 'Brumback Blue') | Posted on October 21, 2018 ] According to the introducer of this selection, Jan Sacks and Marty Schafer, they regard this cultivar as Iris verna var. smalliana, due to the wider leaves than the type species, and the shorter distance between offshoots. I have reconfirmed with Jan & Marty that they consider this Iris verna ssp. smalliana 'Brumback Blue', named for horticulturalist and former director of the New England Wildflower Society Bill Brumback. I recommend changing the record accordingly. Thank you. |
[ Epimedium koreanum | Posted on February 28, 2018 ] Taxonomic Note: I have annotated my photos (by AntMan01) as Epimedium koreanum, as a valid species separate from E. grandiflorum. A list of taxonomic references that support this taxon appear below. I am doing this because the National Garden Association plants Database utilizes the Catalog of Life as a singular guiding taxonomic reference, and it does not follow current 2017 references by RBG (Royal Botanic Garden), KEW Science, and Plants of the World Online. |
[ Bishop's Mitre (Epimedium leptorrhizum) | Posted on February 25, 2018 ] Cultural hint & synonymy note: Recently taxonomists have lumped Epimedium brachyrrhizum into leptorrhizum, even when acknowledging the fact brachyrrhizum is a "clumper" with short rhizomes, whereas leptorrhizum is a fast spreading "ground cover" with long narrow annually expanding rhizomes. The former brachyrrhizum slowly builds into a domed clump, safe to grow amongst other well-behaved perennials and shade plants, whereas leptorrhizum grows much lower but spreading far and wide into a groundcover, and should only be planted where plenty of room is afforded. The distinct plant habits and growing considerations will become blurred over time when both plants are considered but one entity. I hope that helps. All the photos by me (Antman01) show the clumping Epimedium brachyrrhizum plant. |
[ Bishop's Hat (Epimedium 'Warleyense') | Posted on February 25, 2018 ] Cultural tip: This is a hybrid between Epimedium alpinum and pinnatum ssp. colchicum. The latter is a tough drought-tolerant plant. While this plant grows and flowers modestly in shade (even fairly deep dry shade), it is much more colorful if grown in sun. Here in Massachusetts I grow it in full sun, where it flowers much more prolifically than when grown in shade, and the spring leaves take on an incredible red-bronze color highlighted with chartreuse veining, a show unto themselves. Late autumn leaf color is yet another benefit if the plant receives enough sunshine. |
[ Siberian Garlic Chives (Allium nutans) | Posted on January 29, 2018 ] A. nutans has very broad leaves, typically gray color but can be greenish-gray, stems that are strongly "winged" or "keeled", and flower buds strongly nodding as the stems grow but eventually turn upright, and flower heads that are fully spherical. |
[ Bishops Hat (Epimedium 'Neosulphureum') | Posted on January 28, 2018 ] The name is incorrect. Both 'Sulphureum' and 'Neosulphureum' are cultivars of Epimedium x versicolor, these are not straight E. grandiflorum selections or cultivars. |