I planted Calochortus - venustus last fall, and I think this might be it. What do you think?

SO they would be hardy in 5b ???
IN case they are what you think.

I read that they can be/are hardy to zone 6. These plants, and some Gladiolus - communis ssp. Byzantinus, surprised me this spring. Over the winter I'd forgotten I'd planted them.

The late great Claude Barr did quite a bit of playing around with species Calochortus (40 years ago?) on his ranch in South Dakota (zone 4b/5a). He concluded that nearly all (there are about 57) species were not hardy for him although he got many to limp along. If I remember right, he recommended to try only 2 or 3 in his zone with a good winter mulch. Most need really dry and warm summers,

Thanks, Rick! I fully intended to grow these in a pot and bring them under cover for winter...but I goofed and planted them out by mistake. I'm lucky they came up, if these are indeed those.

Do you know what they look like before they bloom?

I did look for some good foliage pics on the NARGS and SRGC sites. Didn't find any of venustus, only one good one of another species that shows a lot of affinity to yours, but can't say for sure.

The second round feature of the NARGS seed ex is really nice. When I'd like to try something choice, but don't foresee good success, I wait until the second round so people who want it more than me will get it. Then, if it is still available I don't feel like I am hogging the good stuff. So anyway, after cutting down an ash tree that shaded the south side of my house (it would have succumb to the Emerald Ash borer), I now have a hot spot protected from rain by the house eve. A perfect place for my cactus and to try the Calochortus. I got several species from the second round seed ex to try. They are planted and in the fridge now, but I don't expect germination for another month...

Well, if all is needed is HOT and DRY summer, I've got plenty of that.
Problem is, winter and spring are really wet!
Should I give it a try?

Thanks, Rick.

I'll keep an eye on them and see what happens. I can't think of anything else I've planted in the last three years or so as being these plants, but I've been surprised before. It certainly doesn't look like a weed, so that's good.

Best of luck with your seeds!



Calin, we have wet winter and spring conditions too. I wouldn't be able to say if you should or not since I don't even know for sure yet if these plants actually are Calochortus.

Hi Chelle.

The 4th pic down in this link shows C venustus plants sprouting out...and look very similar to your pics.

http://bonneylassie.blogspot.c...

I think Xerantheum, a member here grows C venustus...if this is the same person

http://www.flickr.com/photos/x...

Thanks, Moon. This is very helpful information. Here's one in that set that shows a bit of the leaf with a bloom stalk and flower. http://www.flickr.com/photos/x...
These look very much like mine, although mine don't have bloom stalks as of yet.

I called Brent and Becky's and spoke with Brent about these plants. He looked at my pictures in this thread and thought that there's definitely a strong possibility that these are the Calochortus - venustus. I'm going to treat them as such, and if they don't bloom for me this year I'll pot them up for next year.


Calin,
Brent also mentioned to me that these plants are native to California, so they do prefer a drier dormant season. Hope this helps in making your decision.

You are most welcome. You could send Xeramtheum a tree-mail for more info/confirmation

http://garden.org/users/profil...

Thanks again! I'll do that.

There's more than one Xeramtheum. ATP's Xeramtheum hasn't grown it.

Wow...who'd've thought 2 folks would be so into gardening and have the same handle ....sorry.i still think that that is what is coming up in your garden though.