Owsley,

Well, I would guess that it might be some sort of a vittatum but can't really tell for sure. Might you have taken a picture of them in her yard when in bloom? Vittatums can take many forms, some with ruby red throat, and some without some with few red markings and some with a lot. Just google it and you'll see. I'm just assuming vittatum because you said there was an old woman living there and that these weren't some newer hybrid. Was it a large well established clump?

Also, be very careful when taking bulbs generously dug up by someone from their yard that they don't turn out to be virused. Always keep them far away from others in your collection until you've had a chance to inspect the leaves after being exposed to extreme summer heat and sun for the entire summer. Hopefully your new find will be very healthy.

Of course, my guess is just a guess and perhaps someone else might have a better suggestion.

Donna

Yes. It was a large clump. The leaves are healthy. I have washed the bulbs and let them dry and will plant them in a pot until they are doing well. Thanks for the prompt response.

I think the colors are off in the picture above. This is the color and googling Vittatum shows similar picture. I am sure you are right .

I am sure growing outdoors has some advantages as it can attain its full potential. They look spectacular as a clump. At this time driving around neighborhoods can yield a lot of old Hippaestrum. Most are growing in huge clumps. Indeed blessed to be able to grow outdoors with no care. I got three different varieties on my rustling. It was pretty exciting to knock on doors and asking for a bulb. Got lucky no one greeted me with a shot gun as they do in Texas.

For some reason, I have a fondness for all hippies with a red eye and green throat at the center. I just find them so lovely. I guess it's the contrast of colors that is appealing. This is a very pretty bloom, Owsley!

They are really nice, congratulations to your find! And what a nice way to make new friends to knock on their door to ask for some of their bulbs. I would be very exited too but usually gardeners are nice people who like to talk about their plants and share them if they have enough :-)

Anja

Owsley, I'd be interested to see pictures, if you have any, of the other heirloom varieties you acquired from people's yards!! We can't do that here up north so I'm very curious and interested as to what you found!☺

I have found some very beautiful garden types on EBay though and have been very happy with what I received, but alas, they have to get used to pot culture.

Donna