Synonyms: Aka:
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Pyramid Bush, Melochia tomentosa
Broom Weed
Wooly Pyramid Bush
Tea Bush
Raichie
black widow
balsam
bretónica afelpada
bois-champignon
- Pyramid bush grows in dry areas
- Range of pyramid bush stretches from southern Texas and southern Florida through and through the Central America and West Indies into Colombia and Brazil.
- Hardiness: USDA Zone 8a to 11.
- Growth of the pyramid bush seedlings in Texas attained 2 feet in only 2 months.
- It flowers in Texas throughout the summer and early fall
Melochia tomentosa, commonly known as Pyramid Bush, Teabush, or Woolly Pyramid Bush, is a plant species with some interesting characteristics.
Here are key facts about this plant:
Description: Melochia tomentosa is a small, perennial shrub that typically grows to about 1-3 feet in height. It is known for its pyramid shape, which gives it the common name "Pyramid Bush." The plant has small, lanceolate leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a velvety texture.
Flowers and Fruits: The plant produces small, five-petaled flowers, usually pink or purple in color. These are followed by small, capsule-like fruits containing seeds.
Habitat: It is native to the southern United States, particularly in Texas and Florida, and can also be found in parts of Central and South America. The plant typically grows in sandy soils and is often found in coastal areas, pine barrens, and open woodlands.
Uses: While not widely known for its uses, Melochia tomentosa is sometimes used in butterfly gardens as it attracts various types of butterflies and pollinators.
Cultivation: The plant is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings and requires well-drained soil. Due to its size and shape, it is sometimes used in landscaping as a border plant or in rock gardens.
Conservation Status: Melochia tomentosa is not listed as threatened or endangered, but like any native plant species, it plays a role in its local ecosystem and should be preserved in its natural habitat.
Ecological Role: The plant serves as a host for several butterfly species, thus contributing to the biodiversity of its native regions.
Remember, the specific care and impact of this plant can vary based on the region and environmental conditions. If you're considering growing Melochia tomentosa, it's a good idea to check local guidelines and ensure it's suitable for your area.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Hibiscus Waimeae
Aka:
White Kauai Rosemallow
Koki'o Ke'oke'o
It is really a little, gray-barked shrub nearly 9 feet tall, located on Kaua'i island in fairly drier woodlands in and around Waimea Canyon and close by valleys.
The seed of Hibiscus waimeae is found in a hard, oblong capsules that are a good inch long.
It was last noticed in the 1920's in and around Wainiha Valley. Chipper Wichman and Steve Perlman, In 1977, located a few plants of the highly scarce Hawaiian Hibiscus at the foot of a waterfall within a valley inside Limahuli Preserve on Kaua'i.
Hibiscus waimeae is readily developed from fresh new seeds, but Hawaiian hibiscus will hybridize quickly and new plants can be quite totally different from the parent plant.
There's 2 white colored flowered Hibiscus varieties indigenous to Hawaii, Hibiscus waimeae and Hibiscus arnottianus .
Can still be found in Hawaii, I took this picture in the botanical garden in Kaua'i.
They are known locally in Hawaii as koki'o ke'oke'o.
The blooms last a single day, starting out white and changing to pink in the afternoon.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Walking Iris
Aka:
Apostle Plant
A walking iris is not hard to cultivate if you want to share.
After the plant becomes large, it's easy to separate the clump in the autumn and distribute the iris throughout the garden.
They'll endure temps in the lower 20s.
Walking iris is a great looking, selection of plants.
They're spectacular in hanging containers with all the flowers dangling down throughout.
They can also be developed for the leaves that create an attractive accent with it's blades.
It can be grown out of doors in area 8a and 8b.
The Walking Iris was found in Brazil close to the ocean in some sandy soil in the shade.
It'll grow in 100 % sun however it's color is better while in the light sun and if it is watered on a regular basis.
The most effective circumstance appears to be if it is in damp, nicely drained soil in spots where the a.m. sunlight may get it, yet still possess the shade during the afternoon.
It is a type of iris identified with the scientific name Neomarica gracilis. It's not really a member of the genus Iris , yet it is very closely linked.
It is also well-known with the popular names of Apostle Plant and Twelve Apostles, which originated from the statement that your Walking iris won't flower till it's got 12 actual leaves.
The foliage is believed to symbolize the followers of Christ and the primary stalk with blooms is a rendering of Christ.
It's indigenous to the southern part of Brazil and Mexico.
The people from Brazil named this plant 'Marica'.
When it actually begins to dominate the garden look to be "thinned" out frequently.
In cooler locations, the Walking Iris can even be grown in a pot and brought in the house during wintertime.
These perennials are simple enough to develop and need less upkeep.
The Walking iris is appealing to bees, birds, and butterflies.
The blossoms will most likely be seen once the Walking iris is 2 years old.
Usually within a speedy developing scenario or warmer areas, this will occur within 12 months. The most effective growing circumstances are if it moves from sunlit to one half day low light, particularly if it has the morning hours sunshine.
Right after every single bloom air roots, a tiny plant will develop.
Either place the flower in a four inch container of soil that is still connected with the mommy plant or cut and re-pot. Both ways get the job done.
The extra weight from the establishing tiny plant will cause the foliage to bend and contact the earth. The new plant will root within the earth and that causes the plant seem to be walking.
That's the reason it known as walking iris.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Common Camellia
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Camellia japonica |
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 |
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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
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
Synonyms: firewood banksia, port wine banksia, strawberry banksia
Banksia menziesii