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Thursday, January 2, 2014

Common Camellia

Camellia japonica
Aka:  Japanese Camellia, Rose of winter
                                  
There are actually more than 150 kinds of springtime flowering camellias.

Plant dimensions can vary just as much as blossom variety does.

Camellias can be from little elegant small flowers to much larger types you may use for a display screen or hedge.

Camellia japonica cultivars flowers early in the year, generally about March and April.

They develop good in partial cover from the sun and really should be trimmed once they are finished putting out flowers.

Like countless from the South's much-loved decorative plants, camellias came from China and taiwan and arrived at Canada and America by way of Europe.

The genus  Camellia  contains numerous varieties, but of them, 3 have unique significance and attention as Southerly plants, they are:

Camellia japonica
Camellia sasanqua
Camellia sinensis

Specimens of  Camellia japonica  indicate the site of countless significant plantations and old homesteads all over the South.

While camellia japonica occasionally set seeds which can be germinated, the majority are duplicated from clippings or grafted to Camellia sasanqua rootstocks.

The attractiveness of the flowers challenges those of the peony and rose, as the leaves are beautiful all through the year, in accordance from a short article by Dr. Bill Welch, Texas A&M University.

Amazon can provide any need for Common Camellia.(I will receive compensation if you buy).

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Tower of Jewels

Tower of Jewels blooms
Tower of Jewels plant
                                          

Echium wildpretii

Grows best in USDA zones 9a to 11

Blooms from late spring to early fall

It is a species of blooming plants in the family Boraginaceae. It is a herbaceous biyearly plant that grows up to 10 feet (3 m.) tall.

Synonyms:
red bugloss
Mount Teide bugloss
Tenerife bugloss.

The Spanish call it tajinaste rojo.

The plant grows in the highland zone of the deep narrow steep-sided valley of Mount Teide. It needs much sun and thrives in arid and dry conditions.

The tower of jewels is a biennial, developing a dense pattern of leaves for the first year, produces flowers in the 2nd year, and then drops dead. The red flowers bloom on an erect flowering part of a plant or arrangement of flowers on a stalk. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer in Tenerife (A Spanish island in the Atlantic off the northwestern coast of Africa; the largest of the Canary Islands).


This bugloss can be found as a garden decorative where it may be non-tolerant of low temperatures, therefore a little winter protection is needed in frost happening areas. It has received the Award of Garden Merit from Royal Horticultural Society .Just like most buglosses, is favored by beekeepers for the high-level nectar content.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Giant Onion



Allium giganteum

Synonym: Giant Allium

Perennials, Bulbs

Hardiness: Grows in Zones 4a to 9b

Height: 3 to 4 feet in. (90 to 110 centimeters)

Needs Full Sun

Bloom Color of bloom is Purple

Blooms in late spring to middle of  summer

Will attract butterflies, birds and bees

Don't over water but do water on a regular basis

Likes a pH of 6.1 to 7.8

Giant Onion

If you're looking for a unique and exciting addition to your garden. I want to introduce you to the amazing Giant Onion - a plant that can grow to an astonishing size and provide you with a bountiful harvest of delicious, sweet onions.

Firstly, let me tell you a little bit about the Giant Onion. This plant, also known as the Allium giganteum, is a member of the onion family and can grow up to 4 feet tall with a bulb that can be larger than a basketball! That's right - these onions can grow to be over 10 pounds in weight! They're not only impressive to look at but are also incredibly delicious and versatile in the kitchen.

Now, you might be wondering how to grow Giant Onions in your garden. Well, the good news is that they're not that difficult to grow with a little bit of effort and care. Here are some tips to get you started:

Choose the Right Location: Giant Onions prefer a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden. Make sure you choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day and has good soil drainage.

Prepare the Soil: Giant Onions require nutrient-rich soil to grow to their full potential. Add compost or well-rotted manure to your soil before planting to give them a good start.

Plant at the Right Time: You can plant Giant Onion seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, or you can sow them directly into the garden in early spring. Make sure to follow the planting instructions on the seed packet for best results.

Water and Fertilize Regularly: Giant Onions need consistent moisture to grow well, so make sure to water them regularly. Additionally, fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer to keep them healthy and growing strong.

Thin and Mulch: As your Giant Onions grow, thin them out to give them more space to grow their bulbs. Additionally, mulch around the plants to keep the soil moist and weed-free.

With these basic tips, you'll be well on your way to growing your very own Giant Onions in your garden. But the fun doesn't stop there. Once you've harvested your onions, you can enjoy them in a variety of dishes. From salads to soups, roasted to grilled, the possibilities are endless. And with their sweet, mild flavor, you're sure to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a fun and unique addition to your garden, then consider growing Giant Onions. With a little bit of care and attention, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of delicious, sweet onions that are sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?

Happy gardening! Amazon can provide any need for Giant Onion. ( I will receive compensation if you buy).

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Banksia menziesii

Banksia menziesii

 Synonyms: firewood banksia, port wine banksia, strawberry banksia







  • is a species of flowering plant in the genus Banksia.

  • It is a gnarled tree up to 10 m (35 ft) tall, or a lower spreading 1–3 m (4–10 ft) shrub in the more northern parts of its range.

  • The serrated leaves are dull green with new growth a paler grey green.

  • The prominent autumn and winter inflorescences are often two-colored red or pink and yellow.

  • Yellow blooms are rarely seen.

  • First described by the botanist Robert Brown in the early 19th century, no separate varieties of Banksia menziesii are recognized.

  • Banksia menziesii

  • It is found in Western Australia, from the Perth region north to the Murchison River and generally grows on sandy soils in scrubland or low woodland.

  • Banksia menziesii provides food for a wide array of invertebrate and vertebrate animals; birds and in particular honeyeaters are prominent visitors.

  • A relatively hardy plant, Banksia menziesii is commonly seen in gardens, nature strips and parks in Australian urban areas with Mediterranean climates, but its sensitivity to dieback from the soil-borne water mold Phytophthora cinnamomi makes it short-lived in places with humid summers, such as Sydney. 

  • Banksia menziesii is widely used in the cut flower industry.
  • Tuesday, August 28, 2012

    Weeping Cherry Tree

     Weeping Cherry Tree

    Prunus subhirtella
    Posted by Picasa

    The weeping cherry tree (Prunus subhirtella) is a quick developing cherry tree.

    The tree must have sturdy leaders to assist the weeping branches.

    It is most breathtaking during the early spring season when it flowers.

    The weeping cherry tree  mixes effectively when you are planning for any Asian or Japanese inspired backyard garden design and style.

    The tree, often known as the Weeping Higan cherry, is a big tree that could have a height of 30 feet and a width of 25 feet at full development.

    This tree is a part of the rose family, and initiated from Japan.

    It does most pleasing in a loamy and well-drained soil.

    Develops a waterfall impression of cascading down flower blooms.

    Trimming this tree in the winter is a huge no no, since there is an raised chance of diseases such as silver leaf disorder.

    Putting your tree in well-drained soil and total sun will encourage successful development for many years.

    In 1862, the 1st double weeping cherry tree went to the St. Petersburg Botanical Gardens.

    Weeping Cherry Tree

    Today, I want to introduce you to one of my personal favorite trees - the Weeping Cherry Tree. This stunning tree, known for its cascading branches full of pink or white blossoms, is a must-have for any garden.

    Let me start by giving you a little background on the Weeping Cherry. It is a flowering tree native to Japan and belongs to the Rosaceae family. As the name suggests, the tree has a weeping habit, which makes it a perfect addition to any garden with a naturalistic landscape or near a water feature.

    Now, let's dive into why you should consider adding a Weeping Cherry to your garden. Firstly, the tree's blossoms are absolutely breathtaking. In the spring, the tree produces an abundance of flowers that cover the entire tree, creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere in your garden. Additionally, the blossoms have a sweet fragrance that will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.

    But the beauty of the Weeping Cherry Tree doesn't stop there. In the fall, the tree produces small red berries which are a great source of food for birds. The tree also boasts striking foliage, with its leaves turning a beautiful yellow-orange color in the fall before they drop.

    In terms of care, the Weeping Cherry Tree is relatively low maintenance. The tree prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil, and it should be watered regularly, especially during its first year of growth. The tree is hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, making it a great option for gardens in colder climates.

    One thing to note is that the branches of the Weeping Cherry Tree are delicate and prone to breakage. To avoid this, you should prune the tree regularly, especially when it's young. Be sure to use proper pruning techniques and tools to avoid damaging the tree.

    Lastly, I want to touch on the different varieties of Weeping Cherry Trees available. The most popular variety is the Japanese Weeping Cherry, which is known for its pink blossoms. However, there are also other varieties available, such as the Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry, which produces white blossoms, and the Higan Weeping Cherry, which has a slightly more upright form.

    In conclusion, the Weeping Cherry Tree is a stunning and low-maintenance addition to any garden. Its beautiful blossoms, striking foliage, and hardy nature make it a must-have for any gardening enthusiast. If you're considering adding a Weeping Cherry to your garden, I highly recommend it!

    Happy gardening, Amazon can provide any need for Weeping Cherry Tree. (I will receive compensation if you buy).

    Wednesday, August 1, 2012

    Yellow Passion Flower

     Yellow Passion Flower

    Passiflora citrina

    Synonyms: Citrus-yellow passion flower, Passion vine, Passionvine






  • Some plant parts may be poisonous if eaten.
  • Yellow Passion vines and climbs.
  • Has a bright yellow bloom.
  • Grows to a height of 12 to 15 feet.
  • Likes soil pH of 6.1 to 7.5.
  • Should be Spaced 3 to 4 feet.
  • Will normally bloom in mid spring.
  • Cold zone hardiness is 8a to 10b.
  • Is attractive to birds, bees and butterflies.
  • Needs full sun.
  • Leaves are fuzzy velvety.
  • To collect seeds allow untarnished fruit to get ripe, then clean and dry seeds.
  • Has many ways to Propagate like:
    dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs.
    herbaceous stem cuttings
    woody stem cuttings
    softwood cuttings
    semi-hardwood cuttings
    hardwood cuttings
    hardwood heel cuttings
    air layering

  • Sunday, July 29, 2012

    Sweet Broom, Genista spachiana

     Sweet Broom

    Cytisus x spachianus
    Posted by Picasa
    Synonyms: Easter broom, Scotch broom, leafy broom

  • Latin name is Cytisus x.

    I am excited to share with you some valuable information about a plant known as Sweet Broom, also called Cytisus x spachianus. As a gardener myself, I know the importance of finding the right plants that not only beautify our gardens but also thrive in our specific climate and soil conditions. Sweet Broom is a plant that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its unique attributes and ability to flourish in various environments.

    Sweet Broom, or Cytisus x spachianus, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a cross between two species of Cytisus, which are C. multiflorus and C. purgans. This plant is native to regions of Mediterranean and is popularly grown for its beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The plant can grow up to 6 feet in height and 8 feet in width, making it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, and even as a standalone specimen.

    One of the most significant benefits of Sweet Broom is its adaptability to different soil and climate conditions. This plant can grow in various types of soil, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. Additionally, it is tolerant of drought conditions and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. Due to its hardiness and resilience, Sweet Broom is an excellent choice for gardeners who want low-maintenance plants that require minimal watering and fertilization.

    Another unique attribute of Sweet Broom is its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This means that the plant can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form that can benefit other plants growing nearby. By growing Sweet Broom alongside other plants in your garden, you can improve the soil quality and promote better growth for your plants.

    In terms of aesthetics, Sweet Broom is a stunning plant that can add a pop of color to any garden. The flowers are a vibrant yellow color and have a sweet fragrance that can attract bees and other pollinators. The plant blooms in early spring and can continue flowering through the summer months. If you are looking to add some color and fragrance to your garden, then Sweet Broom is an excellent choice.

    Sweet Broom

    In conclusion, Sweet Broom, or Cytisus x spachianus, is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that should be on every gardener's radar. It is a plant that can thrive in various soil and climate conditions, fix nitrogen in the soil, and add a beautiful pop of color to any garden. If you are looking for a hardy and resilient plant that requires minimal care, then Sweet Broom is the perfect choice for you.

    Happy gardening!