Potted Plants
The three Ground Orchids (Spathoglottis plicata) that were planted in the ground are now brown, crispy critters. But the one I potted and kept indoors has been in bloom for over a month. Many of the blossoms have faded, but there are still some unopened buds.
Not sure if one can really call it a flower, but this is as close as Cherokee Sedge (Carex cherokeensis) is likely ever going to get.
Indoor Plants
The only indoor plants I've ever had consistently bloom are the hybrids of the Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis sp.). One of the orchids we have had for quite a while is producing a bloom stalk, but has not yet developed it's flower buds. So I'm cheating a little bit by showing three recent purchases that were already in full bloom when bought.
Flower Wannabes
Though my ground-bound plants are lacking in blooms, they are making up for it with their bright red fruit. One of the consistent performers is the Nandina (Nandina domestica) which are thick with clusters of bright red berries.
Small clusters of the berries decorate the glossy leaves of the Dwarf Buford Holly (Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii Nana'), though I seem to have fewer on the plant this year than in seasons past.
The prickly leaves of the Dwarf Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta 'Rotunda') sometimes hide its small groups of red berries. Though never thickly adorned, I have had more than usual this year (likely due to more sunshine reaching the plants since a tree fell and opened the canopy).
Another whose berry production can vary widely, the Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) can still catch the eye even with just a few of its bright red orbs.
Be sure to visit May Dream Gardens to see what is flowering in other gardens.
The ground orchids, followed by the adorable Cherokee sedge bottlebrushes, definitely shook me out of my winter doldrums today! Gorgeous photos--happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful orchids. I had "cheat" a little too with a recently bought geranium. This harsh winter just didn't leave us much to brag about flower-wise. But the possumhaw is pretty spectacular these days.
ReplyDeleteNice shots of the Nandina and the orchids are beautiful as well. Yes-it has been a harsh winter and there are signs of spring...finally! Happy GBBD!
ReplyDeleteNice to see what is blooming in TX. Here in snow-covered PA we had a warm spell so I was able to find a lot for GBBD. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
ReplyDeleteLove them all. The orchids are stunning.
ReplyDeleteCher
Goldenray Yorkies
More indoor plants looks like the right move this winter, doesn't it RBell? The berries look good, too. My tall tree-form yaupon has so many berries this year that the birds can't keep up.
ReplyDeleteAnnie at the Transplantable Rose
Blackswamp: Glad they helped and thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteAmy: I have been enjoying the Possumhaw (and the indoor flowers!)
Lee: Thanks goodness spring is coming.
Carolyn: I'm always amazed at what grows right through the snow in the northern gardens.
Sunray: I've taken to always giving the missus moth orchids for Valentine's Day cause they last so long and you get repeat blooms.
Annie: Even in the shade, the Yaupons come though. Seen many about town that get more sun that are truly impressive.