Questions, questions, everywhere ... but not so many answers!

At last night's meeting, two questions were posed to me regarding items that have recently been blogged.  Embarrassingly, given my air of quiet knowledgeability and boundless intellect, I was unable to answer either.  However, in the spirit of information sharing, and my own giving nature, I felt that they should be presented to the public, partly in the hope that the membership may be able to help. I have also added a question of my own, that comes out of the research needed for the others.

Galanthus Nerissa - the true colour.  Not pink at all!
Photo courtesy of Dryad Nurseries, www.dryad-home.co.uk

Question One - from Brian.  In our article on alternative Valentine's Day presents, "A Gardener's Valentine's Day" the picture of Galanthus Nerissa is distinctly pink toned (and looked very pink indeed on the printed page which was available for reading at the meeting).  Is this a genuinely pink toned variety? 

Answer One:  No.  The photo used is a beautifully lit arty portrait; the purplish colour on the double corona is also not present and is in fact green.  A less arty piccy is on the right, to give a true representation of the snowdrop.

Question Two - from Margaret.   In your article, "How much more local do you want?" you talk about Daphne Bholua Limpsfield. How did this variety get its name?

Answer Two:  Dunno. I have been able to discover that this variety was introduced in 2000, as a seedling derived from Daphne Bholua Peter Smithers.  It is one of the "most honestly evergreen" Daphnes, as described in a small article in Comment in The Garden in January 2014.  It is not a common variety but is listed in the RHS Plant Finder as being available at Coolings in Knockholt, or at the RHS Wisley garden centre.  It is also planted at Wisley.  However, the derivation of the name is not easily discoverable, and I am still trying.  Would any members who have any ideas or knowledge please leave a comment on this article to help us out?

Question Three - from me: It appears that there was once another Limpsfield variety, the Dianthus Limpsfield White.  Does anyone know if this is still a current variety, where it may be purchased, what history it has, or if anyone has a clump that we can persuade them to take some cuttings from?  The plant is not listed as available in the RHS Plant Finder, but there is occasional reference to it on the web.

Answer Three:  Over to you, members!