2011 Odyssey Bulbs Catalog -- Allium to Convallaria

Odyssey Bulbs

FALL 2011 CATALOG

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ALLIUM ~ CONVALLARIA

Our fall 2011 shipping season is over. This page from the 2011 catalog remains for reference (and tantalization) only. The 2012 catalog will go on line in January or February.

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ALLIUM (Alliaceae)
Ornamental onion

Allium aflatunense wild form ~ Bearing dense, bright-violet umbels on 4-foot stems, this clone – originating with a bulb collected by Janis Ruksans in the Chaktal Range of Uzbekistan – is a far departure (and a refreshing one at that) from the mass market material sold under this name. Steppe; Uzbekistan. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$5

Allium akaka ~ File this under "Cool and Unusual Onions." Long broad glaucous leaves (or sometimes a single leaf) emerge in spring, their curving blades describing a ground-to-ground arch. The 3- to 4-inch domes of dusty-pink flowers are held on stout scapes that barely clear the leaves. This singular plant is exceedingly rare in the trade, as they say. Steppe; E Turkey. Zone 5.
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1/$15
Allium altissimum 'Goliath' ~ An allium with altitude, and truly the giant of the genus, flaunting dense, 5-inch spheres of lilac-purple atop towering 5- to 6-foot scapes in May and June. Remarkable. It reaches its greatest heights in well-drained, rich soil. Steppe; C Asia. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$6

Allium callimischon ssp. haemostictum ~ The airy clusters of dainty white bell-flowers with maroon splotches at their lobe tips would be charming at any time of year. That they occur in fall makes their display not only particularly delightful but also quite poignant. Curiously, the blooms are borne on scapes that grow to their full 6- to 10-inch height in spring, but do not flower until September and October, spending the summer as apparently dead stalks – which of course should not be deadheaded! This little onion prospers in full sun and dryish summers, and makes just the thing for a wall or rock garden. Mediterranean; Crete. Zone 6. SOLD OUT
1/$5

Allium christophii wild form ~ These bulbs, grown from wild-collected seed, are a great way to get a new take on this familiar species, with its immense heads of starry purple flowers that give the impression of something pyrotechnic, like a chrysanthemum firework or a Fourth of July sparkler. Steppe; C Asia. Zone 5.
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1/$5

Allium convallarioides ~ The name might lead you to expect something from the tribe of broad-leaved woodland onions, but in fact the leaves are narrow and tubular. The many-flowered umbels of cupped white flowers put on a nice show in early summer on 18- to 24-inch stems. Sun and dryish summer conditions preferred. Steppe/modified continental/continental; Caucasus to C Asia. Zone 5.
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1/$8

Allium cupuliferum ~ The flowerheads of this beautiful species undergo a fascinating metamorphosis, opening as tight, featherduster umbels, which – as the flower pedicels lengthen – gradually transmute into irregular pincushions of dusky-pink on 2-foot scapes. Its rarity in the trade stems from its laggardliness in propagation (we offer seed-grown bulbs). Steppe/montane; C Asia. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$12

Allium hollandicum ~ Drumstick alliums have been involved in any number of nomenclatural cat-fights. The large, domed, light violet umbels of this taxonomically conflicted species (or hybrid) open atop 3-foot stems in late spring. Our general approach is to enjoy the showy blooms and to leave the botanical wrangling to others. Steppe/montane; C Asia. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$2

Allium hollandicum 'Album' ~ Domes of white, purple-veined flowers perch on 3-foot stems in mid to late spring. Although the taxonomic status of this attractive and easy allium is uncertain, its value as an ornamental (which is considerable) is not. Steppe/montane; C Asia. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$5

Allium jesdianum 'Michael H. Hoog' ~ Tall (to 40 inches), wide (with umbels up to 6 inches across), and handsome, this Janis Ruksans selection is also one of the most precocious and floriferous clones of this eximious species. The light-violet drumsticks appear in mid-May. Steppe/montane; Tajikistan. Zone 4. SOLD OUT
1/$5

Allium karataviense ssp. henrikii ~ Literally and figuratively rising above others of its species, the exceptionally large umbels of fragrant red-purple flowers are presented on 8- to 12-inch stems rather than the usual earthbound stubs. As is customary with this species, the leaves are broad, blue-green, and beautiful. Full sun and good drainage please! Steppe/montane; Uzbekistan. Zone 5.
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1/$12

Allium litwinowii ~ We have a thing for blue alliums, which means we HAD to have this thing, perhaps the most beautiful of the bunch. Dense, violet-tinged, luminous blue domes on relatively compact stems (15 inches) provide a cyanean exclamation point in late spring. As with all the blue onions, this one loves ample sun and dryish summers. Steppe/montane; Uzbekistan. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$11

Allium macleanii ~ That we have in our possession some bulbs of this splendid cephalic allium has us identifying somewhat with its former specific epithet: elatum. The enormous purple globes (it's no surprise that this is closely allied with A. giganteum and is a parent of 'Globemaster') ascend on 3-foot stems in late spring and early summer. Give it lots of sun and a not-too-heavy soil. Steppe; Afghanistan to SW Asia. Zone 5.
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1/$6

Allium nevskianum ~ In the mode of - but in every way superior to - A . karataviense, this rarely offered beauty bears large, short-stemmed umbels of red-purple flowers in May above broad, paired, blue-green basal leaves. A better "doer" than its familiar cousin. Steppe/montane; Tajikistan. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$7

Allium obliquum ~ Whereas purple drumstick alliums are a dime a dozen, this is the only one we know of whose flowers - borne in 1.5-inch umbels - are pale-yellow. Factor in its relatively late bloom season (June and July) and its tolerance of heavy soils and summer moisture, and you’ve got an onion to be reckoned with. It's a favorite here. Modified continental/continental/steppe; Romania to NW China. Zone 4. SOLD OUT
1/$6.50

Allium oreophilum 'Agalik Giant' ~ A. oreophilum, writ large. In every way – size, intensity of color, form – it far outstrips any of its cultivated kind that have gone before. The showy, deep carmine-rose flowers strut their stuff in June. Montane/steppe; C Asia. Zone 4.
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1/$9

Allium paradoxum var. normale ~ Not the weedy bulbil-slinger usually encountered under this epithet, but a beautiful, well-mannered variety dangling as many as ten snow-white bell-flowers from each 8- to 12-inch scape in March and April. One of the few alliums that prefer partial shade and accept heavy soil, it self-sows generously in mild-winter climates but only sparsely in colder districts. It's almost – are you ready? – paranormal (sorry, we couldn't resist). Modified continental; Caucasus to N Iran. Zone 6 (5 or lower in a sheltered site). AM SOLD OUT
1/$5

Allium pendulinum ~ Very close to the alluring A. triquetrum, and like that species favoring partial shade and moist woodsy soil, this beauty differs in that its white, green-midribbed flowers occur in a symmetrical rather than a one-sided umbel. Mediterranean; S Central Europe. Zone 6. SOLD OUT
1/$11

Allium pskemense ~ What a whimsical, jolly onion. The 3-inch-wide, dense, white umbels perch like oversized fuzzy golfballs on chubby, blue-green, 2-foot stems, which with their bulging lower midriffs look uncannily (to our perhaps overfertile imaginations) like perambulating great blue herons. The bulbs spread slowly by rhizomes to form a loose clump. Sun and good drainage are best. Steppe; C Asia. Zone 4.
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1/$12

Allium rosenbachianum ~ Here we have the Real McCoy – not one of the imposters usually traded under this name. Large (up to 5-inch-wide) globes of luminous, deep violet-purple crown 24- to 30-inch scapes in late May and early June, over broad, bright-green basal leaves which are arresting in their own right (as our photo attests). Zounds. Requires sun and good drainage. Steppe/montane; Tajikistan. Zone 5.
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1/$15

Allium sarawschanicum 'Bright Boy' ~ We're not quite seeing the resemblance to a refulgent youth (of whatever gender), but this child of 'Chinoro' is well worth raising in your garden for its showier, brighter purple, slightly earlier flowers. Steppe; Tazhikistan. Zone 4.
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1/$10

Allium sarawschanicum 'Chinoro' ~ The vivid, deep-purple flowers – arrayed in airy, 4-inch umbels – of this recent introduction are among the most eye-catching and elegant of the genus. Their early June display (on 2-foot stems) is one of the highlights of the late spring/early summer border. Steppe; Tazhikistan. Zone 4.
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1/$6.50

Allium stipitatum 'Glory of Pamir' (RM.8267) ~ Among the best tall alliums, bearing fragrant, 4.5-inch spheres of purple-pink on 3- to 4-foot scapes in June. Established bulbs often produce multiple blooms. "A most attractive species, completely hardy and thriving in nearly all soils," say Jelitto and Schacht. Montane/steppe; central Asia. Zone 4. SOLD OUT
1/$6

Allium ursinum ~ The European analog to our native wild leek (A. tricoccum), this shade-loving onion is worth growing not only for its heads of white flowers in mid-spring but also for its handsome broad leaves. The leaves and bulbs once figured in the diets of cultures throughout its range. Thus the rash of common names, including bear's garlic and gypsy onion. Modified continental/maritime/Mediterranean; Europe. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$5

Allium victorialis 'Cantabria' ~ With broad, handsome leaves resembling our native wild leek (A. tricoccum), accompanied in summer by clusters of green-tinged white flowers on sturdy 20-inch stems, this is a wonderful ornamental onion for light shade. Modified continental/montane; Europe to N Asia. Zone 5.
link to plantbuzz.com
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1/$5

Allium 'Globus' ~ A hybrid with pedigree and the looks to prove it, here's what resulted when Allium karataviense and A. stipitatum got together. The large, pale mauve spheres appear in late spring on compact, 20-inch stems, making it an ideal subject for juxtaposing with statelier onions. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$3.50

Allium 'Stipineva' ~ Combining the dense umbels and ghostly glaucous leaves of Allium nevskianum with some of the altitude of A. stipitatum, this is an outstanding and exciting new hybrid. Huge light purple drumsticks crown 2-foot stems in late spring. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$18

ANEMONE (Ranunculaceae)
Windflower

Anemone nemorosa 'Allenii' ~ It may be an old-timer, but it's still unsurpassed among the cultivars of European wood anemone. Large, pale lavender-blue flowers with purple-stained reverses debut in April and continue into May. A rarely available classic for the woodland garden. Maritime/modified continental/continental; Europe to NW Asia. Zone 5. AGM
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1/$4

Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana' ~ This wonderful heirloom windflower originated with the father of "natural gardening," William Robinson, in the mid-19th century. Pearly gray-blue buds open to reveal pale lavender-blue interiors. Maritime/modified continental/continental; Europe to NW Asia. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$5

Anemone nemorosa 'Vestal' ~ The 'Vestal' version of the double-flowered European wood anemones bears dapper, intricately fashioned, pure-white (what other kind of white would you expect from a vestal version?) pompons in mid-spring. Somehow "pompons" seems at odds with the other imagery going on here, but that's the best we can come up with at this moment. Maritime/modified continental/continental; Europe to NW Asia. Zone 5. AGM SOLD OUT
1/$6

ARISAEMA (Araceae)
Jack in the pulpit; cobra lily

Arisaema amurense mixed ~ An Asian analog to our native Jack-in-the-pulpit (A. triphyllum), this delightful woodlander holds its white-striped spathes on 4-inch stems beneath a five-segmented, purple-stemmed leaf in early spring. It is easily grown in partial, not-too-dry shade. We again offer an assortment of different forms of this variable arisaema, at an unbeatable price. They will vary in the amount of purple coloration on their spathes and petioles. Modified continental/continental; SE Russia to NE China. Zone 4. SOLD OUT
1/$4

Arisaema candidissimum ~ Perhaps the queen of this many-splendored tribe, producing violet-scented, white-striped, ivory spathes and bold, tripartite leaves very late in the season, in June or July. The green spadix bears orange fruits in late summer. It prefers leafy soil and partial shade, and may benefit from being planted on a layer of grit or fine gravel. Montane/subtropical; C China. Zone 5. AGM
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1/$16

Arisaema ciliatum ~ Usually going (incorrectly) under the moniker A. consanguineum, this stoloniferous species produces handsome, long-tailed, maroon-striped spathes in May and June on mottled, 10- to 15-inch stems. The spoked leaves perch like parasols above the flowers. Montane/subtropical; W China. Zone 6.
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1/$10

Arisaema ciliatum var. liubaense ~ This form of the species is even more richly endowed with purple. It too is stoloniferous. Montane/subtropical; W China. Zone 6.
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1/$13

Arisaema fargesii ~ Although its bold trifoliate leaves betray its close alliance with A candidissimum, this striking cobra lily differs markedly from that species in its long-necked, elongated spathe, which is further distinguished by the downturned "collar" at its throat, its bold purple and white stripes, and its tapering, drooping, long-tailed hood. Its leaves turn a nice amber-yellow in fall, contributing to the autumn garden. Protect it from hot sun and provide it decent drainage and it will form a lusty, long-lived, 2-foot-tall clump. Modified continental/continental/montane; SE Russia to NE China. Zone 4.
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1/$16

Arisaema flavum ~ Its deep lemon-yellow spathes on 16-inch "stems" in June set this gorgeous Himalayan native apart from the common run of jack-in-the-pulpits. Paired, peony-like leaves and orange late-summer fruits complete the picture. Montane/subtropical; W China. Zone 6.
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1/$8

Arisaema ovale ~ The Japanese version of A amurense (with which it was once included as subspecies robustum) differs from same in its much larger size (up to 3 feet tall) and its darker purple, white-ribbed spathes which arch at their tips. It likes some shade and adequate drainage. Maritime/montane/modified continental; Japan. Zone 5.
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1/$13

Arisaema tortuosum ~ Ah, those aroids – always up to something outlandish, if not downright scandalous. In this case the gawk-worthy feature is the improbably long spadix, which describes an s-cuve and defies gravity as it ascends as many as 12 inches above the pale green spathe, appearing for all the world like the tail of some unsavory creature. This all happens in early summer atop a leafy, very tall (up to 6 feet), very pythonesque pseudostem. What will they think of next. It needs some shade and humusy soil to be at its bizarre best. Montane/subtropical; Himalayas to Burma. Zone 6. SOLD OUT
1/$16

ARUM (Araceae)
Lords and ladies; cuckoo pint

Arum elongatum ~ An arum for the fore-border or rock garden, in spring sending up a less-than-stately 8-inch purple spathe that shades to a greenish-white flame at its center (with a velvety purple spadix). The pseudostem doubles in length as the season progresses, in autumn displaying a cob of bright-red fruit. Modified continental; E Europe. Zone 5.
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1/$12

Arum korolkowii ~ Arums join fritillarias in being among the few plants that can do something utterly arresting in green and brown. In this rarely offered species, the apple-green, remarkably narrow, boat-shaped spathe cups a Typha-esque, cinnamon-brown, truncheon-shaped spadix. One of the classiest and most fetching arums (it's even odorless). Adequate drainage is essential to its continuing existence in your garden. Steppe; C Asia. Zone 5.
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1/$16

Arum pictum ~ THE fall-blooming arum. Not to be confused with A. italicum 'Pictum', this striking and indispensable plant departs from that and all others of its genus by flowering in autumn. The spathes – purple-spotted outside and satiny midnight-purple inside – and the purple-black, dung-scented spadix appear with or slightly before the polished, dark-green, silver-veined leaves. This is our favorite of the genus. It needs a dryish summer rest, so give it good drainage in areas with moist summers. Mediterranean; W Mediterranean islands. Zone 7. SOLD OUT
1/$12

BIARUM (Araceae)

Biarum marmarisense ~ A sweet dumpling of an aroid, whose 4-inch, chubby, pink-freckled, off-white, hooded, pleasantly scented, pitcher-shaped spathes squat directly on the ground in mid-fall. Sun and good drainage required. Mediterranean; NW Turkey. Zone 7.
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1/$9

BULBOCODIUM (Liliaceae)
Spring meadow saffron

Bulbocodium vernum (Colchicum vernum) ~ March (and spring) would not be complete for us without the cyclamen-pink, starry, slightly disheveled blooms of this little charmer. Strap-shaped leaves emerge with the 2- to 3-inch flowers, then elongate after bloom. Native to alpine meadows, it likes spring moisture, humusy, well-drained soil, and periodic division. Montane; Pyrenees to Carpathians. Zone 3/4.
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1/$2

CAMASSIA (Liliaceae)
Wild hyacinth; quamash

Camassia cusickii 'Zwanenburg' ~ One of the few selections of this fine Northwest native, offering larger, deeper-blue flowers than the type, borne in May and June along 24- to 30-inch scapes. A meadow-dweller, doing well in fertile, organic-rich soil kept moist in spring, and looking well by water. Steppe; NE Oregon. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$5

Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' ~ This is one of those nomenclatural oddities – a named white-flowered "selection" of a white-flowered species (the blue-flowered members of the species properly belonging under subspecies suksdorfii.) But it's too lovely a thing to waste time quibbling over. Handsome creamy-white flowers hover in long, open spikes on 3-foot stems in late spring. Steppe/maritime; NW US. Zone 5. SOLD OUT
1/$3

CHIONODOXA (Liliaceae)
Glory of the snow

Chionodoxa forbesii 'Zwanenburg' ~ Among the most vigorous, obscure, and outstanding selections of this beloved early-blooming species, 'Zwanenburg' bears clusters of large blue flowers along stems that reach a vertiginous 10 inches in height. Each blossom has the customary white eye. Light shade or sun and well-drained, humus-rich soil suit it best. Mediterranean; W Turkey. Zone 5.
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1/$4

Chionodoxa lochiae ~ Occurring only in the mountains of Cyprus and in gardens of discriminating plant junkies, Lady Loch's (as in Loch be a Lady) glory of the snow is one of those plants whose stature and temperament seem purpose made for rock gardens, troughs, and other similar obssession-inducing garden features. Two to six pure blue, inch-wide flowers look up (or nod, when T levels are low) from 3- to 6-inch scapes. Light shade or full sun are both fine. Mediterranean; Cyprus. Zone 5.
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1/$7

Chionodoxa 'Rose Veil' ~ Who are the parents? We don't know, but whoever they are, they deserve kudos for producing this beauty, whose large, pale-lilac, rose-tinged flowers open in late March. Give it a favorable site(light shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil, for example), and it will beget offspring of its own. Zone 5.
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1/$2.50

CONVALLARIA (Liliaceae)
Lily of the valley

Convallaria majalis var. rosea ~ The usual convallarian swaths of leathery oval leaves give rise in this case to scapes set with fragrant dangling bells of soft purplish pink. Although moist well drained soil and semi-shade suit it best, it will adapt to much worse. Modified continental/maritime/montane/Mediterranean; N Temperate Region. Zone 4. SOLD OUT
1/$4