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Gerald L. Klingaman
Liliaceae
Sternbergia lutea
Lily-of-the-Field
To see winter daffodil in flower in autumn is to covet it for your own garden. Although its origins are somewhat obscure, it is thought to be native from central Asia to extreme southwestern Europe. Cute yellow flowerbuds pop up from the soil in late summer, expanding into upright goblets, and then opening into star-like blossoms. They are sometimes misleadingly called golden crocus because of their appearance. The six petal-like segments sometimes have tiny lines of light green on them, looking like a painter used a coarse brush to color the petals. The narrow, glossy deep green leaves emerge with the flowers, and remain through winter and early spring to nourish the bulbs. Plants will self-sow where happy.
Grow this sun-loving bulb in very well-drained garden that is neutral or slightly alkaline and moderately fertile. Moderate moisture is needed from fall to early spring, but during summer dormancy soil must be dry. Plant the bulbs in mid-to late summer at a depth of about 3 times their height. In the colder parts of its hardiness range, protect the wintering leaves with a loose airy mulch. Plants may also do well in pots, brought under cover for the summer (and winter, in areas with severe winters). The flowers are especially pretty in large clumps in rock gardens or screes, contrasting wonderfully with blue or purple-flowered plant in their vicinity, such as chrysanthemums, bluebeard, asters, or true autumn crocus. The look charming popping up between large pavement stones.
9 - 6
6 - 10
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
Full Sun
4"-8" / 10.2cm - 20.3cm
3"-6" / 7.6cm - 15.2cm
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
Southern Europe, Mediterranean, Turkey, Iran, Western Asia
Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Drought
Medium
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Clump-Forming
Fall
Showy
Yellow
Green, Dark Green
No
Single
Glossy
Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
Yes
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