Originally planted in the ground where it struggled, the Star Begonia (Begonia heracleifolia) produced a nice set of blooms this spring and then, as the temperatures increased, it really started putting out the leaves. It has grown four times bigger than it has ever managed before. It's large palmate leaves and hairy stems are quite unique.
Quickly becoming my favorite Aloe, the Lace Aloe (Aloe aristata) has continued to look good and slowly add additional size. Though it has never bloomed, its foliage is extremely attractive and quite different than any of my other Aloes.
Another Aloe that is doing well is the Vuurpylaalwyn (Aloe peglerae) - gotta love a name like that! Almost appearing Agave-like, its leaves have thorns along both its sides and even the underside edge. Appearing quite fearsome, it has been doing well in the heat with only occasional splashes of water.
The only highlighted specimen actually planted in the ground, the Dyckia 'Cherry Coke' has to compete with the trees and other plants for moisture. But it is doing great (and was the only Dyckia to make it through last winter's extreme cold snap with little to no damage). Starting the year off with a green cast, increased sunshine and temperature has caused it to develop a nice reddish hue.
Be sure to visit Digging to see the foliage that is stealing the show in other gardens.
Some plants just take best to containers. Your Star Begonia is proof of that.
ReplyDeletei like that cherry coke. both the drink and the plant.
ReplyDeleteAloes are my new obsession...yours are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteNellJean: Seems to be - certainly wasn't happy in the ground!
ReplyDeleteKatina: Me too; the plant has been my best performing Dyckia.
Ricki: Aloes are my favorite plant even though my winters require most of them to be kept in pots. So much incredible variety.
Fantastic aloes, especially the lace aloe! I also like your Cherry Coke dyckia. I'm trying a dyckia this year that's supposed to be cold-hardy too. We'll see.
ReplyDeletePam: Wish our winters allowed more of the Dyckias and Aloes to be planted outside - that would be awesome!
ReplyDeleteWow, all those plants are just gorgeous! The begonia, dyckia, aloes ... Love all those kinds of plants. Though I keep telling myself not to buy anymore succulents, I'll probably keep an eye out for some of those varieties.
ReplyDeleteJean: They're about the only ones that are - the rest are looking pretty tired. But I would recommend all of these.
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are some great aloes. I had Lace aloe but lost it long ago to rot. You've done well. Thanks for stopping by and seeing my aloe collection. It's funny, but I don't have Aloe vera.
ReplyDeleteDavid/
David: I don't have A. vera either! Perhaps its an aspect of my avoiding that whole healthy living thing.
ReplyDeleteI have a monster plain jane aloe in a pot indoors. Once I attempted to put it outside for the summer but it didn't seem to like it. it would probably love your garden. I just love that lace aloe!
ReplyDeleteViolet: I've been quite impressed with the Lace Aloe over the last year; its still slowly growing. Has a soft, plump look quite different than most Aloes.
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