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Unknown Bulbs

willinglearnerwillinglearner Posts: 54
in Problem solving
I have just inherited a garden pot and lurking in the bottom in soil were these two beauties (photos att) First question is - what are they? second question is which way up do i plant them? The side opp the roots? is shiny and bald so does not look like it will have any growing shoots. Confused, help please.
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Posts

  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited February 2023
    They look a bit like Jerusalem Artichoke corms.  But don't eat them on my say-so.  They might be Lilies.  I suggest you replant and wait to see what happens.


     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023
    How big are they? My first thought was Snakes Head Fritilleries could be completely wrong. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • willinglearnerwillinglearner Posts: 54
    I dont think they are either Frtillaries or artichoke. Only because I never saw them on my friends patio. I will of course replant and see what happens but my main problem then is, which way is up?
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Maybe Solomon’s Seal. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I would plant them with the roots downwards. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • willinglearnerwillinglearner Posts: 54
    Yes Suze, that makes sense but  then the upward pointing side is bare, bald with no sign whatsoever of any shooting node. Totally confused??
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Put them in any way,  sideways,  they will find their way.   Roots always go down and shoots will come up. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Solomon Seal have rhizomes.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Agree with @Lyn - if you are unsure, lay them on their sides - they know what to do ;)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    At least you can rule plenty out - daffs, tulips, lilies, hyacinths, and all the small bulbs like crocus, s'drops, ret Iris, bluebells and muscari.  :)
    I thought for a moment it could be camassias, but they don't have that habit.
    They look vaguely familiar though. 
    Perhaps @Silver surfer could shed some light.  :)

    I agree too re planting - many bulbs will right themselves quite readily.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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