Plant of the Month for May 2015

Allium zebdanense

Description and General Information:

Fragile fern is one of the few species of plants that is found worldwide.  Within North America, it is found throughout except for the southeastern States.  It is a relatively small, tufted species with brittle, deciduous fronds arising from a thickish rhizome.  The stipe is smooth and slender, up to 10 centimetres long. Fronds may reach to 40 centimetres long and 6 centimetres wide on robust plants but are more often closer to 20 centimetres and narrower.   It most commonly grows as a lithophytic species, tucked in the cracks of crevices of cliffs and talus slopes.  It is found as commonly on acidic rock as basic.

Cultivation:

Fragile fern requires a shady, cool location and even moisture.  If too dry, plants will go dormant.  Best to plant on the north side of a rock, especially in a narrow crack if possible.  Plants are shallow-rooted and prefer an organic-based media that is not too wet or dry. Soil pH is not an issue.

Blooming Period:

Not applicable

Propagation:

Spores, division

Seeds:

Spores may be dusted on surface of an organic mix.  Keep at room temperature and cover container to maintain 100% humidity.  Spores sown in autumn will be small plants by late spring.

Division:

Plants may be dug and divided just as the new fronds emerge in spring.  Take care as new fronds are very fragile.

Cuttings:

NA

- See more at: https://www.nargs.org/plant-of-the-month/plant-month-april-2015#sthash.arA6KW9F.dpuf

Description and General Information:

Fragile fern is one of the few species of plants that is found worldwide.  Within North America, it is found throughout except for the southeastern States.  It is a relatively small, tufted species with brittle, deciduous fronds arising from a thickish rhizome.  The stipe is smooth and slender, up to 10 centimetres long. Fronds may reach to 40 centimetres long and 6 centimetres wide on robust plants but are more often closer to 20 centimetres and narrower.   It most commonly grows as a lithophytic species, tucked in the cracks of crevices of cliffs and talus slopes.  It is found as commonly on acidic rock as basic.

Cultivation:

Fragile fern requires a shady, cool location and even moisture.  If too dry, plants will go dormant.  Best to plant on the north side of a rock, especially in a narrow crack if possible.  Plants are shallow-rooted and prefer an organic-based media that is not too wet or dry. Soil pH is not an issue.

Blooming Period:

Not applicable

Propagation:

Spores, division

Seeds:

Spores may be dusted on surface of an organic mix.  Keep at room temperature and cover container to maintain 100% humidity.  Spores sown in autumn will be small plants by late spring.

Division:

Plants may be dug and divided just as the new fronds emerge in spring.  Take care as new fronds are very fragile.

Cuttings:

NA

- See more at: https://www.nargs.org/plant-of-the-month/plant-month-april-2015#sthash.c4oRJkz4.dpuf

Description and General Information:

Allium zebdanense is an ornamental onion found throughout the Middle East including Israel, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan, extending as well into the Caucasus. It has Carex-like foliage that forms an arching mound and flower stems that reach 45 centimetres.  The somewhat nodding flowers are pristine white, in a semi-rounded umbel. It was first described in 1859 by Pierre Edmond Boissier and Friedrich Wilhelm Noe.

Cultivation:

This Allium does well in dry shade but will also do well in full sun.  It is not fussy about soil pH doing fine in both mildly acidic and alkaline soils, but the soil must be well-drained. Plants will go dormant by early to mid-summer so interplant so you are not left with a gap. Despite being native to rather mild regions, it is hardy to at least zone 5.

Bulbs should be planted about 7-10 cm, deep, in groups of 7 or more for the best impact.

Blooming Period:

From April in the south to June in the north.

Propagation:

Division, seeds

Seeds:

Seeds are surprisingly hard to come by as this species, at least in cultivation, does not set seed readily.

Division:

Established clumps may be dug just as they arise in spring, and divided accordingly.  Alternatively, they may be dug after they have gone dormant in mid-summer.

Cuttings:

N/A

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