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Lily Lion Heart

Sunday 31 May 2015

Polygonatum hookeri

This is the tiniest species in the Genus, and one of my favourites coming from Uttar Pradesh in northern India, and southwestern China. It grows between 3000-5000 m above sea level.   Named after the plant explorer, and botanist  Sir Joseph  Hooker, its acaulescent flowers push forth slightly ahead of the foliage. In total height it is about 5 cm. I grow mine in a lava rock trough where it spreads happily by underground rhizome. As a matter of fact it found a small porous opening and has managed to poke its head out of the side of the lava rock. This demonstrates it vigorous growth habit.
It has a pleasant carnation-like scent but of a milder quality when you nestle your nostrils over it. Who would know it's a Solomon's Seal.











5 comments:

  1. Wow, never seen it grown so well!

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  2. The trick is cool weather in May, allowing the blooms to emerge slowly

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  3. Absolutely stunning!! As I have Polygonatum mania I will have to try that method some year!! I've had some polygonatums die out while others flourish amongst my weird soil and tree roots.

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  4. Oh look up Polygonatum vietnamicum. Stunning red flowered species.

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  5. P. vietamicum is gorgeous with lovely green tips on red tubular blooms. Ohhhh.....

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