Swertia bimaculata

Posts

• Silver surfer Posts: 4,719

  October 2018 edited October 2018

  Wow! That is just stunning...and very interesting.
  Well done Alan.
  In Gentianaceae
  
  Not a plant that I have come across.
  
  Sold by Beth Chatto £5.95.
  
  https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/a-z-plants/swertia-bimaculata-1l.htm
  
  
  Quote link below
  "Swertia bimaculata is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 
  It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 
  Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil."
  
  https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Swertia+bimaculata
  
  Yellow /green spots are nectaries.
  
  http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Double-Spotted Swertia.html
  

  Perthshire. SCOTLAND .

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• hogweed Posts: 4,053

  October 2018

  That is stunning.

  'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller

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• Obelixx Posts: 30,090

  October 2018

  That is amazing.  New to me too and one to look out for.

  Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
  

  "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."

  Plato
  

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• Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494

  October 2018

  I do like that plant too - very unusual.

  North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone

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• Mary370 Posts: 2,003

  October 2018

  Beautiful plant, well done!

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• Rubytoo Posts: 1,630

  October 2018

  Alan what kind of soil do you grow yours in? That is a cracking nice flower.
  I would not mind giving this one a try, we have mostly shady woodland-ish conditions, but a bit on the heavy side with what I will call "improved" clay here.
  
  

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• Alan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190

  October 2018

  I am growing mine in a pot with JI no.3 compost, although according to Beth Chatto  (where I bought mine) it is unfussy about soil. 
  
  https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/a-z-plants/swertia-bimaculata-1l.htm 
  

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• Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494

  October 2018

  Hi Alan, Could you tell me roughly how big the flowers are please, sometimes photos can be deceptive on size.  I've just checked the Beth Chatto site and unfortunately the plant is out of stock, so will have to make a note to check it again in the spring.

  North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone

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• Alan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190

  October 2018

  The flowers are a little over 2cm across, so not very large.

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• Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494

  October 2018

  Thanks Alan.

  North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone

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