Bulbs: Rhodophiala bagnoldii, anyone growing them?, 1 by Ursula

Ursula wrote:
Wallaby, I just found this thread.

Rhodophiala bagnoldii is a species from the Atacama Desert. Seeds have a VERY long viability, since it takes years to have a little rain in the area to make them germinate. In the meantime the pretty shiny black seeds wait in the hot days and cold nights of the Atacama Desert for the El Niño phenomena to bring some rain and have them germinate.

Therefore, I'm not sure water is the ideal media for this sp. to germinate. If you have some seeds left, try them with the method I describe in the 'Comments' section http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/84332/index.html. This method is supplied by Dr. Paulina Riedemann in her books specialized in Chilean Flora (by area). Dr. Riedemann used to teach at the Landscaping Architecture school for many years and she tried many different methods with her students. The books she has been publishing contain the most successful methods for each sp. However ....... this is the best method for our z9b climate.

Rhodophiala rhodolirion is a High Andean species and grows right where our ski resorts are. The colours vary from almost plain white, to white with red stripes or spots, to delicate and intense pink.

They are blooming right now. This is a picture I have not posted at the Plant Files so far. It is the most intense shade of pink I have found.

Hugs,

Ursula