Tulbaghia update

This morning I thought I should give you a progress report on how Tulbaghia violacea made out in the pond this summer.  Remember there was some controversy in the spring over whether it was actually a water plant or not (if you want a refresher click here)??  After reading the comments from that post, I was worried whether it would survive the wet conditions of the pond or just turn to mush and rot.  I'm happy to report it is still thriving and has bloomed the entire summer:

It is somewhat perplexing as I followed up your comments with some research and confirmed it to be most commonly used as a xeric plant.  Practically every nursery I visited this spring was selling them in the water garden section tho??  As you can see by the number of blooms (and healthy foliage) in the above photo (and below), it definitely seems perfectly happy submerged on the ledge (10" depth) next to the pink pickerelweed.  Here's another view from the opposite angle:

 

I've certainly been glad to have it as it's the one water plant that bloomed consistently for me throughout the summer.  Pink Pickerelweed bloomed also but the rest (Calla, water lilies, iris & hyacinths) are suffering from a lack of sun.  They all sport plenty of green, healthy foliage and have grown and multiplied (especially the water hyacinths) but no blooms.  The water remains clear tho so even if they aren't blooming, I'm glad they're doing their job and solving the algae problem.  I'm happy to say I did not add any chemicals to acheive clarity which is something that was important to me.  I'm hoping to take a free class later this month (at one of the local nurseries) on winterizing ponds.  It would be icing on the cake to finagle a way of keeping all the water plants and the fish alive throughout the winter but we'll see how difficult that's going to be...  

Comments

[tina]

It just goes to say that not all research is correct and trial and error is sometimes best. Glad it worked out for you.

[Janet]

The class sounds like it will be helpful and fun!

[Catherine/gardenerprogress]

It definitely looks healthy and happy. My water hyacinths have only bloomed twice in all the years I tried them, I do think they need a lot of sun. The water lilies may take time so don't give up on them. I think you have 'Sioux' if I remember right and mine get a good amount of shade and bloom great. I bet next year you have flowers.
I hope you share what you learn if you take the pond class, it sounds great.

[Frances]

Wow, I will be waiting with baited breath to find out how to overwinter that plant in the pond. It is marginally hardy here, in dry soil, but left in the pond might be just the ticket. I am amazed at the diversity of conditions it can withstand. I'm a believer. :-)
Frances

[Marnie]

My dad had a small pond for several years. He stored most of his plants in the basement and they wintered fine. Your plants look great. I like the veriegated leaves.
Marnie

[Tatyana]

It looks good at the pond, very delicate flowers.

[elephant's eye]

at www.plantzafrica.com they say sun or shade, but well drained. It is a South African, like me. Never seen it used as a water plant in its home country. Ours are next to the pond, and in the rose garden. Must say, yours looks happy!

[Beckie]

Kathleen, looks like you made the right decision-a very healthy looking plant. Our local garden centers have free classes sometimes and I have learned a lot. Of course you feel kind of obligated o buy their products, but most of the time the are worth it. Let us know what you find out.

[Shady Gardener]

Kathleen - I read the title and thought "What??" :-) This is a really pretty plant. If you have any tips for overwintering, please post! I hope to do a little water next year? Or the next?? ;-)