Talbotia elegans
Archive entry 01.08.10
Archive entry 21.10.12
1st August 2010
A low growing plant from the Drakensburg Mountains in South Africa. It grows in seeps of moisture on cliffs.
I got seed from Silverhills in 2007 and it grew easily but slowly. The plants have made compact clumps of foliage
that is clearly adequate for the job, but you wouldn't get excited. Seems to be tolerant of some shade, I have
seen comments from the USA suggesting it for ground cover in difficult locations. The same sources suggest that
it is a zone 8 plant (effectively frost free). My plants have come through a series of severe winters in pots
without damage, so I think it is tougher than its reputation.
The form commonly cultivated has smallish white flowers. I have grown it, but it died. It may be that this form
with larger lilac flowers is also hardier or more tolerant of cultural abuse. If you are planning to write
"Shakespeare's Microwave Meals" then I suggest you seek out the lilac one.
20th October 2012
25th June 2015
2nd October 2019
Talbotia has suffered over the years. It isn't quite a bulb, but I grow it in the bulb house. As a consequence it gets too dry in the summer,
the leaves start to curl and I find myself rushing at it with a watering can like some fat, horticultural lifeguard bringing succour to the not-drowning.
Sadly last year I arrived too late and my Talbotia was dead. Stricken with grief, I realised that it was one of my favourite things. Certainly
it was more important to me than raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens. I looked for more seed, checked nurseries for plants, all without success.
And then a few weeks ago the lovely Julian Sutton came to talk to a local group and this is what he brought with him. I was overjoyed. Julian Sutton,
another of my favourite things. Right up there with wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings.