Description
(Acis was formerly included within the genus Leucojum but botanically this species was also wrongly identified botanically within that genus )
This makes strong, but dwarf, spikes of superb, crystalline white flowers in early Autumn, in well grown specimens, several to each spike and 2-3 spikes to each bulb. Slender leaves follow.
This remarkable Greek species has settled quickly into cultivation. It makes good seed and clumps well. We have it outside in a well-drained loam soil in sun. I have found it to be totally and utterly hardy here, certainly it took -12°C without damage at a time when the adjacent ‘hardy’ Ϲyclamen coum (which is usually defoliated in hard frosts) was killed outright. After 15+ unscathed years, I think that I can now say ‘hardy’ with no fear of contradiction. If you could only grow one Acis, then this would have to be the one, it really is that good.
Well-drained loam soil in full sun, the more fertile the site, the better the growth, but this is an easily pleased plant which displays a great willingness to grow and flower.
This is a new name for the Greek plants formerly, wrongly, identified by botanists as Greek forms of the Spanish Leucojum valentinum (Acis valentina). Acis valentina does exist, it is a true species and we now offer it, but is entirely a Spanish plant and is barely in cultivation. Acis valentina does not grow in Greece. Greek plants are now recognised as a distinct species and they are not A. valentina. Sadly however the misapplied and incorrect name A. valentina is widespread within the horticultural trade and you will almost always get sent A. ionica when ordering A. valentina.
Raised from a collection made by the late Professor Franz Speta, Greece, Zakinthos, Keri Beach at 100m altitude, in 1991.
