Polygonatum stenanthum - update for Ben and Chad perhaps?

[MartinNicklin]

Yes, sorry Chad, Disporum indeed. I have both Night Lark and Night Heron and they look identical to me but I don’t have the eye for detail.
I measured the macranthum and it’s a bit taller than I thought at 160cm. I will put it in a bigger pot. I’m determined to get 2 metres out of it as well as the 30cm leaves Crûg mentioned. At that size, even a single stem would look stunning.

[JohnH]

I agree Martin. As Chad says, it serms there are a lot of seedlings out there. I have two Night Heron both planted in similar positions, one is much shorter than the other (the tallest around 120 cms) but neither display any purple shading to the leaves. Do they need more sun?
I also have Night Lark (Edulis) , this seems inclined to lean but it is quite young and really hasn't got going.
The largest of the longistylum I have is Green Giant (trying desperately to remember where I bought it), this would be just short of 2m if only it would grow straight up. It flops all over the place, blocking the path to the shed! I will have to move it to a better spot.
Chad, does your Polygonatum Betberg keep it's nice purple colour for long? Mine is bulking up, but, despite quite heavy feeding and growing in the ground, only reaches 30cms tall. I hoped for more.

[Chad]

I have both Night Lark and Night Heron and they look identical to me but I don’t have the eye for detail.

I don't think an eye for detail is important here.

Night Lark was derived from Night Heron, and the only reported difference is height and possibly less black.

Both of those characteristics are 'soft' and will vary with culture, so unless you are growing them side by side they will always be tough to distinguish.

Chad

[Chad]

Chad, does your Polygonatum Betberg keep it's nice purple colour for long? Mine is bulking up, but, despite quite heavy feeding and growing in the ground, only reaches 30cms tall. I hoped for more.

The spring purple is always fleeting which is why I keep meaning to grow a lot from seed and select for deeper and longer lasting purple.  But I need to grow it better to get seed in the first place!

Mine were 60 to 70 cm before I dwarfed them by neglect.  I think consistent moisture in the spring is important. 

Mine are a bit better this year after being weeded last year; they were getting out competed by grass. 


Chad

[Chad]

I agree Martin. As Chad says, it seems there are a lot of seedlings out there. I have two Night Heron both planted in similar positions, one is much shorter than the other (the tallest around 120 cms) but neither display any purple shading to the leaves. Do they need more sun?

Now you mention it, I have been pleased with the dark stem contrasting with the pale stem cataphylls, but I don't get purple leaves either. 

Perhaps I need to source a reliable division of the named form, or, again, grow a thousand from seed and reselect it. 

Growers including Derry Watkins comment that it 'Likes shade and humus', so I'd be reluctant to give it full sun. 

Chad.