This species was collected in China by Darrell
Probst, of Epimedium fame and his nursery in
Hubbardston, Massachusetts known as Garden
Vision. Darrell kindly shared two collections
of this species, only one of which prospered (the other sadly destroyed by
tunneling voles and
chipmunks). This is one of several whimsical Chinese alliums with hosta-like
leaves that fool all
who see it (when not in bloom) into thinking it is indeed a hosta (see the
image at the bottom).
The plant was given to me as Allium sp. China, with the ensuing ID based
on the Flora
of China.
In 2007, five bloom stalks appeared, growing 16" tall, the florets
beginning to open the 3rd week
of July. There is a simple and delicate grace about them, the lavender
pink pedicels lending a
magic quality to the otherwise modest bloom heads. Unlike some of
the other Chinese alliums
I'm growing, for which no seed is produced, this one had a small but
productive seed set, which
has been sown for hope of increasing stock.
In the view below, the entire plant can be seen, the several host-like
leaves at the bottom center, and
to the right is the foliage of a small Hosta venusta hybrid. The plant is
growing in open shade for most
of the day, getting full sun for a couple hours midday, then shaded from
the hot afternoon sun by a row
of
hemlocks.
In the view below, taken in a previous year, we can get a good idea
of the foliage. However,
another unique aspect of this species, for which I haven't taken a good
photo yet, is that
the early spring foliage emerges a deep ruddy brown-red color, the
unfurling leaves waxy
and shiny with the odd carnal coloration; simply fantastic!
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