White Foxglove

White Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot White'

(dig-ee-TAH-liss) (pur-PUR-ee-uh)

A slightly different twist on a garden classic. The white flowers on this cultivar are nice and I have found they mix well with the standard pink/purple types. Although it is recovered from a separate species of Digitalis I would like to thank them for helping to keep healthy as my daily dose of Digoxin helps control my heart rate.

Currently we are building up a big patch of Foxglove at work. It isn’t the white flowered type but has been steadily (with our help) seeding into a larger area. Transplanting the seedlings has proved tricky but we haven’t given up on it yet.

Since it is Sunday here is another plant that has been steadily increasing its space in the garden but not in an annoying way. It has taken over what I call "hard luck ground” and is happy despite the conditions. I am not sure what species of Allium this is but it is really a nice plant.

Allium

(AL-ee-um)

Nancy Regan Hybrid Tea Rose

Hybrid Tea Rose ‘Nancy Regan’

Synonyms: JACurnam

While there isn’t usually a desire to post a specific flower on this blog today I did want to post a couple of roses. Both were shot at the big Botanical Garden in Orlando. My visit was on a spectacular day and the rose garden sure added to that. I was struck by the complex blend of color shades on this rose. The flowers were not large but had a pleasant scent.

Since it is Sunday here is a bonus snapshot of another hybrid tea rose. The flowers again had a beautiful blend and this particular rose was emerging at a funny angle.

Hybrid Tea Rose ‘Princesse de Monaco’

Synonyms: MEImagarmic, Grace Kelly, Princess Grace, Preference

It seems to have a lot of synonyms but has been around since the early 1980’s. A sweet smelling rose that grows on a short compact bush. It also has nicely shaped buds.

Green Tarantula Daylily

 

Daylily

Hemerocallis 'Green Tarantula'

(hem-er-oh-KAL-iss)

This flower is a bit of a novelty item in the Daylily Border. It grows fairly enormous and doesn’t really flower that heartily. The color is also a little novel as it is bright pretty much a lime green and yellow mix. The flowers are huge, up to 8 inches wide and often display uniquely shaped and crinkled petals. I am not sure but this variety may go into ‘spider’ type division.

Since it’s Sunday again here are a couple of random Daylilies from the horse farm. The thing I like most about the colors of these types of Daylilies is if the light is right it kind of has a nice pink/yellow glow to the whole area. These are going to have to be divided this year.

Orchids

Dendrobium ‘Eima-Pink’

Dendrobium

(den-DROH-bee-um)

There about 1,200 Dendrobium species and numerous hybrids that are widely cultivated. Mostly native to Southeast Asia and Australia they grow in a wide and diverse habitat in the wild. Most are epiphytes, meaning they attach themselves to other plants for support only. It is not a parasitic relationship. Breeding has increased the color range and flowering time for Dendrobiums.

Since it is Sunday and Today’s Flowers here is a bonus shot of an unusual Vanda type Orchid.

Rainbow Orchid

Vanda ‘Robert’s Delight x Miss Rattana’

(VAN-duh)

Super nice color on this Vanda Orchid. They looked like Pansies.

White Candle Delphinium

Candle Delphinium

Delphinium elatum

(del-FIN-ee-um) (el-AH-tum)

Synonyms: Larkspur

The variety name escapes me on this white variety of Delphinium. There are over 300 species and countless hybrids now so it is difficult to determine. I have to admit I love the grand spikes of blue, purple, pink and sometimes white these flowers produce. I am less enchanted with growing the short lived, finicky and rangy plants. Nothing looks more classic then a backbone of delphinium snaking down a perennial border or a giant mass of them planted alone.

I am not sure why this next picture is included other than to show the massive spike. If you look near the bottom left you can see the palmate foliage, which is considered poisionous.

One thing I found out that is interesting is that French plant breeder Victor Lemoine

was responsible for the early hybridization of D. elatum after it was discovered in the Alps.

Since it is Sunday and Today’s Flowers here is a bonus shot of a yellow summer daisy recently spotted basking in the central Florida sun.

Today's Flowers

Kiku Chrysanthemums  
Chrysanthemum 'Hatsuhikari'
(kris-AN-the-mum)
Synonyms: First Light Chrysanthemum

These are some more Kiku Chrysanthemums from the ‘lost roll’ I found this week. They would have to be classified as more traditional types that we are used to seeing in our gardens. Googling the Japanese names returns mostly obscure and useless information. This clear yellow daisy type was a winner. Since it is Sunday means Today’s Flowers and an extra snapshot.

This white mum was quite attractive. Sorry for the short posts but I am totally worn out from vacation. We still have two days left on our Disney passes but we are taking today off. The Princess dinner was fun and I got to met Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Aurora and my favorite Ariel. It was quite magical for Erika.



Cascade Anemone Mum
Chrysanthemum 'Gum Drop'
(kris-AN-the-mum)

Double Daylily

Double Daylily
Hemerocallis 'Peach Magnolia'
(hem-er-oh-KAL-iss)

This Daylily has been featured on this site before it hasn’t got any less beautiful since then. It has several traits that I find desirable in a Daylily. The extra flower petals are just pretty and ruffled enough to make it special. The fact this Daylily can rebloom is also nice. The huge flowers are another asset and they can be gazed upon with admiration. This hybrid comes from Joiner Gardens of Savannah, Georgia and hit the market in 1986. It has been charming gardeners and award judges ever since.

Sunday means Today’s Flowers and an extra snapshot.

Gerber Daisy
Gerbera jamesonii ‘Festival Mix’
(GER-ber-uh) (jay-mess-OWN-ee-eye)

Morning Glory

Morning Glory ‘Heavenly Blue’

Ipomoea tricolor

(ip-oh-MEE-uh) (TRY-kull-lur)

Even though many people consider the Morning Glory vine to be a pest I think it is a great plant to have in the garden. This white one has grown from seed the last five years and has steadily become more and more beautiful. Its getting to the point where I may start pinching it a little more and remove a few of the seedlings.

The composition is a little different than most of my photographs. I have found the front of the morning glory flower to be difficult to photograph so I switched to the back. The gentle striping and luscious curves were enchanting.

This is a link to Today’sFlowers. I really hope it doesn’t throw the formatting off. Sunday means a bonus snapshot. This week it is a Wax Begonia.

Wax Begonia

Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum

(be-GON-yuh) (sem-per-FLOR-enz kul-TOR-um)

Synonym: Fibrous Rooted Begonia

Sempervivum Flower

Sempervivum Flower

(sem-per-VEE-vum)

Not sure of the identification on this flower. Part of the problem I have been having searching the archives for this winter’s flower pictures is that I can no longer remember where or what the pictures are from. Luckily I often snap a photo of any sign or tag that is with the plant but that doesn’t always work out. This photo did not have any tag so it remains a bit of a mystery.

Sempervivums are an interesting group of plants native to Northern Africa and parts of Europe. They are known for the ability to grow in harsh conditions. As a garden plant many are able to winter over outside and are often found in the gardens of collectors populating everywhere from cracks in stone work to being pampered in containers. The flowers are usually pinkish and seldom whitish, which kind of blows my ID out of the water.

Today is Sunday and that means Flowers from Today and a bonus snapshot.

Cactus Dahlia

(DAHL-ya)

This was an interesting Dahlia that came in a bag of mixed Dahlias for the cutting garden. The recurved petals gave a slightly other worldly appearance. The color mix was fantastic too. The flowers got really big for a Cactus style and I would have really loved to know what the variety name was.

Hardy Water Lily

Hardy Water Lily
Nymphaea cv.

(NIM-fee-uh)

Captured this summer the white flower of this waterlily looked good against the green leaves and black water. I must have been pretty close because the 60mm/2.8 lens was used.

There is a big battle going on in my lens bag between the 60mm and 105mm Nikon macro lenses. The 60mm will always have a place in my heart because it was the first really good lens that I got and it takes really nice pictures. The 60mm focal range is also good for a “walk around” or general purpose lens. It is exceptionally tough and rugged, which is always a bonus when you are owned by me. The 105mm macro lens has been a Nikon standard and is a great lens. The longer reach makes it easier to take some pictures, especially of insects. On the plus side this lens has the beautiful bokeh and it seems to deal with the light and shadows very well. It is totally amazing to me what this lens does in lowlight. On the negative side it is a large lens that costs twice as much as the 60mm. I think a shootout is called for this spring. Where the same flower is shot alternately with each lens under the same settings and lighting. Both are great lenses but usually I just like to carry one with me.

Since it is Sunday come join us at Today’s Flowers. Sunday also means a bonus snapshot.

This field of yellow Daises sure was pretty. I am not sure of the genus/species but think it might be a perennial form of Anthemis.

A lot of people are always asking what my favorite flower is and seem a little disappointed when I say Daisy (must have been expecting something more exotic lol). To me Daisies are just beautiful due to their simple simplicity and elegance. They have the perfect understated sophistication to me. Their trait of blooming en masse is also nice. You can also play “Loves me, Loves me not” with them.

Large Fothergilla

Large Fothergilla

Fothergilla major

(foth-er-GIL-la) (MAY-jor)

Synonyms: Witch Alder

This flowering shrub was photographed in the spring. If you look in the background the leaves were just starting to come out. Fothergilla is a nice plant to have in the garden especially some of the newer varieties. It gets to be a large shrub but slowly and is easy to manage. The flowers last a long time and are fragrant. The flowers do not have any petals and are considered bottlebrush types (a personal favorite). The Fothergilla flowers are tactile they have a nice rubbery feel to them. Not enough can be said for the fall color on this plant. It is an amazing shower of yellows, reds, oranges and even some purple. Truly an autumn beauty.

Since it is Sunday come join us at Today’s Flowers. Sunday means a bonus snapshot.

Just a nod to all the tulips we planted this fall. They seem to be having a good resurgence in people’s taste. This Peony flowered type is a couple of seasons old but still looked nice.

Woolly Blue Violet

Woolly Blue Violet

Viola sororia

(vy-OH-la) (so-ROR-ee-uh)

Synonyms: Sister Violet, Viola papilionacea

This is a classic flower that can be invasive, which sometimes causes some ill will towards it. To me it is usually an asset, especially in deep shade. This black and white is from a nice strain that inhabits the walk to the tennis court. The markings and shadings are very nice and it doesn’t seem to reproduce too rapidly.

Viola sororia is a common wildflower that can be variable. Some distinguishing traits include heart shaped leaves, flowers and leaves are on separate stems that come from the roots, the flowers are held just above the leaves and the flower petals are not spurred. It is the state flower of four states (Wisconsin, Illinois, Rhode Island, and New Jersey). The flowers are edible as are the roots.

Visit Today’s Flowers for flower pictures from around the world.

Bonus picture for Sunday.

Daylily

Hemerocallis

(hem-er-oh-KAL-iss)

A black and white Daylily from the summer.

Aloe

Aloe

(AL-oh)

This is one of the over 500 species of Aloe. I really tried to track down which one but it was entirely futile. This plant didn’t have the big spikes that some Aloe have but its low kind of geometric flowers were interesting. The color was nice too. We have been growing some Aloe plants for several years in the greenhouse and they have not flowered yet. They do well inside and are often seen blooming in conservatories.

Aloe is a genus that has been providing medicinal benefits for thousands of years. Still used to treat various skin maladies such as burns and sunburn the juice is also used to treat various digestive problems. Native mostly to Southern Africa only a few of the species are used in medicine (Aloe vera being number 1). The sap is considered to be an allergen and should be tested on a small area of skin first.

“Four vegetables are indispensable for the well being of man; Wheat, the grape, the olive and aloe. The first nourishes him, the second raises his spirit, The third brings him harmony, the fourth cures him.”

Christopher Columbus (1451-1506)

Since it is Sunday come join us at Today’s Flowers. Sunday also means a bonus snapshot.

xLaelocattleya Orchid

Lc. Gold Digger 'Fuchs Mandarin'

(lay-lee-oh-KAT-lee-uh)

Ugh another Orchid genus to learn. As with a lot of other Orchids the Laelocattleyas are in a state of taxonomical flux. I just enjoyed the deep color and amount of flowers on this particular plant.

Purple Mist Chrysanthemum

Global Warming Chrysanthemum

Dendranthema ‘Purple Mist’

(den-dran' thah-mah)

I have said before that I emphatically resist gardening trends until they become firmly established. It was against this policy that I picked out several Global Warming mums at the nursery. “Latest blooming strain of Chrysanthemum ever” was the advertising tag they were using. I really do love growing the Sheffield strains of mums since you know they are truly perennial and a well behaved garden plant so when the colors on the plant tags indicated colors I hadn’t seen before 8 plants ended up in my basket. I was happy to see they were the same price as the regular perennials. That is usually one reason I don’t like the trends because they usually have an outlandish price premium attached to them.

The mums got planted in some raised stone planters on the terrace and started to bloom. They were really gorgeous and stately. Then the 12 inches of snow came. I quietly thought ‘better luck next year, mums” but when the snow melted they were still in full color. A little broken down but most of the stems sprang back to attention still giving a nice appearance. The bees and Hoover flies were all over them in a full on feeding frenzy before the winter. There are some flowers in the garden right now but they are few and far between (or not full sized) as a few species seem to be trying to throw out a few last desperate blooms. On the other hand the Global Warming mums are in full bloom and look they want to be flowering now (no desperation). We planted three of the five colors available. The off white is kind of a typical Sheffield color but the purple and orange are really special.

Since it is Sunday come join us at Today’s Flowers. Sunday means a bonus snapshot.

Dwarf Double Daffodil
(nar-SIS-us)

This flower is from last spring and was blooming in the collection of dwarf Daffodils. It is a little underexposed but shows the interesting petals of this cultivar.

Daylily Seedling

Daylily

Hemerocallis

(hem-er-oh-KAL-iss)

This Daylily was blooming at my house on July 2^nd. I know its bad but I want summer to come back already. We didn’t have much of a fall so that can come back too. Today is probably my last chance to get a fall foliage shot so I am going out to try. The leaves were just not very colorful this year. After the hurricane there weren’t too many leaves left to turn color and this last storm really took care of the rest of the color. The aftermath of both storms left inches deep piles of shredded leaves in the yard and on the roads. I hadn’t seen that kind of foliage damage ever (the tree damage is historical too).

In the Daylily seedling collection we planted here at the house two years ago I have started a rating system. 1 to 5 depending on the color, growth habit and length of bloom. This yellow doesn’t have a name (terrible way to go through life) but that didn’t stop it from looking good with a plethora of cheerful flowers and a good overall appearance. Rated a #4.

Since it is Sunday take a look at Today’s Flowers. It is a good assortment of flowers from all over the world. Bonus flower for Sunday is:

Bigleaf Ligularia

Ligularia dentata ‘Othello’

(lig-yoo-LAR-ee-uh) (den-TAY-tuh)

Synonyms: Leopard Plant

This is a variety of Ligularia and it seems to be a stronger and slightly larger growing plant compared to the species. The flower color is a little darker and more saturated. A true perennial Ligularia can grow in moist, shady areas that most plants don’t like. Planted in borders it requires a lot of water. It is not the most graceful plant but can be useful.

Fall Flowers of Japan

Chrysanthemum 'Yugiri'

Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting the Fall Flowers of Japan exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden. It was totally amazing and in my mind better than the other Kiku Shows they have had. All of the major Chrysanthemum growing techniques were out in force and set out perfectly. I arrived later than normal for a show at the garden and the crowds were growing but there was enough space to get some pictures without trouble. ‘Yugiri’ was a triple stem type and the flowers were so huge and perfect. The flowers were totally enchanting and still in great condition well into the show, which opened September 17 and runs through October 30^th.

The fall garden was looking good outside the conservatory. The collection of Korean mums (NYBGs own strain) was in peak bloom and many of the perennials were looking good. I didn’t do the pumpkin maze but did gaze with wonder at the world record pumpkin displayed in the fountain area. It weighed 1,818.5 pounds (824 kg)! I didn’t really have a lens wide enough to take it all in. Among the record holder were several other 1,500+ lb. specimens.

There will be a few more pictures here of the show this upcoming week.

Since it is Sunday come join us at today's flowers. Here is a bonus snapshot for Sunday.

Syrphid fly
(Toxomerus geminatus)

Just when I was thinking I haven’t taken an insect picture in a while this Hoover Fly landed on the mum I was going to take a picture of. These insects do not sting and are beneficial to the garden. The population is way up here and the Asters at work were literally a cloud of Hoovers.

This picture was taken with my back up camera. A d70s with the 105mm Nikon macro lens. Pretty nice to have back up equipment this good.

Purple Pillow Grayleaf Geranium

Grayleaf Geranium
Geranium cinereum 'Purple Pillow'
(jer-AY-nee-um) (sin-EER-ee-um)


The Hardy Geraniums were fantastic this year. Even with all the rain they bloomed through the season and in one case still blooming in the perennial border (mixing nicely with the left over mums from last year). We were diligent in keeping them trimmed up but that was about all the maintenance they needed. Just put these plants in full sun or partial shade and provide good drainage and you will be enjoying them for years.

‘Purple Pillows’ has a nice strong color. Most of the other varieties are blue and are a great way to add blue to your border. Since these plants are not very tall (12 inches) it is best to have them near the front of the border. Personally I like them best when they are semi-sprawling and poking their flowers up here and there. The foliage is finely cut and attractive with excellent fall color.


Since it is Sunday come join us at Today’s Flowers . Sunday means a bonus snapshot.

After months of not being able to find my compact camera I had written it off completely. Yesterday when cleaning up my office I found it! Both of these pictures are from the card that was in the camera.

Tickseed
Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunray'
(kor-ee-OP-sis) (gran-dih-FLOOR-ah)

Another long blooming low maintenance perennial.

Daydream Coneflower

Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'Daydream'
(ek-in-AY-shee-a) (pur-PUR-ee-uh)


This Coneflower was introduced last year by Terranova Nurseries as part of their “Dream” series. The color is pretty amazing and is one of the darkest yellow cones I have seen. It has a semi compact habit, growing to a height of about 21 inches. It looks to me that this plant will be around for long time and it is always interesting to see if these new flowers can make it on the market. For gardeners will test its durability and life in the landscape not a laboratory or closely guarded field tests. One thing I have noticed that new and unusual flowers do not hold a big price premium like they used to. ‘Daydream’ was the same price as the other Coneflowers. Terra Nova is also the name of a great new TV series on Fox.


Since it is Sunday come join us at Today’s Flowers .

Sunday also means a bonus flower. This photo was taken without me realizing that the camera was still in Monochrome. It came out okay anyway. The huge flowers on ‘Summer Storm’ were an easy target. The bigger the flower the easier the macro shot becomes. This cultivar was introduced in 2008 and its color, foliage and temerity is sure to carry it on.



Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Summer Storm'
(hi-BIS-kus) (mos-KEW-tos)

Hardy Hibiscus

Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Blush'
(hi-BIS-kus) (mos-KEW-tos)
Synonyms: Swamp Mallow, Rose Mallow

Wow the Hardy Hibiscus were amazing this year. They all returned from the winter and had a show stopping month of flowering. ‘Luna Blush’ was leading the charge and is still throwing out a couple of flowers. The foliage got a little ratty but that didn’t matter as all eyes were upon the beautiful floral display. The compact habit of this plant combined with the large flowers was hard to ignore.

Sunday of course mean it is time for Today’s Flowers. Take a peek at flowers from all over the world.

Sunday also means a bonus picture here. Another of the rainy day flowers. I must profess ignorance about the species and name of this plant. It has to be hardy since this was taken in a bit of a wild area of a parking lot. The vine was big and well entrenched among the native Cedar Trees. The yellow was pretty and the whole vine only had a few flowers on it. Normally they bloom much earlier in this area. It was pretty to look at and I was glad that I didn’t have the responsibility of removing it from the trees.

Yellow Honeysuckle

Lonicera

(luh-NIS-er-a)