Showing posts with label Echinopsis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Echinopsis. Show all posts

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Shady Happenings: May 28 - June 3

The San Antonio Rose Amaryllis (Hippeastrum 'San Antonio Rose') has been producing a few two-flowered stalks, but has yet to produce any foliage.  Even after a mild, wet winter, it appears the plant hasn't recovered from last year's brutal drought.

The Aloe brevifolia in my recently created succulent hanging basket already had a short bloom stalk when planted.  But its has grown significantly and is producing pale reddish-yellow blooms.


About a week ago, I planted a seed package of Early Call Mix of Morning Glory at the base of a tall metal pyramid trellis and the sprouts are coming on strong.  This is my first try with Morning Glories and it will be interesting to see how these do.

The recently planted Aloe 'Franco' must be happy in its new home as it quickly produced a multi-stemmed flower stalk.


And my Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus) really enjoyed life in the winter greenhouse, where several flower buds developed and have been popping out ever since.  It has such intensely-colored but short-lived blooms.

Finally found at least one Dyckia 'Cherry Coke' & planted it in the middle tier of the Three Tiers Garden.  Still looking for four more to continue along the rock border.

Also found in the Three Tiers Garden, the Pachyveria 'Exotica' is blooming and pupping.

In the back gardens, my Pink Crinum is sending up its first ever flower (planted two years ago).  Now I'll finally see if it really is pink!

Discovered growing in the dirt path near my shed, Texas Bindweed (Convolvulus equitans) is producing nickle-sized blooms.

At the recent Oracle Gorge cactus and succulent sale, I picked up four Aloes.  The largest purchase was this Aloe vanbalenii - I liked it's lime green leaves with the hint of red along the edges.

The Aloe 'Black Beauty' was on my incredibly lengthy Gotta Get list.  Its dark green and deep reddish hues are very eye catching.

A spontaneous purchase, the rosy wash over the leaves of the Snowflake Aloe (Aloe rauhii) are what led to me claiming this little plant.

As usual at Oracle Gorge sales, if you make a purchase, a small free plant is thrown in.  I picked up this Aloe 'White Beauty' but have not been able to find any online references to such a variety - so not sure of the label's accuracy.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Flower Power: GBBD May 2012

Sponsored by May Dream Gardens

Established Plants

Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala)

 Pink Rain Lily (Zephyranthes rosea)

 Mexican Honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera)

White Shamrock (Oxalis crassipes 'Alba')

 Pink Shamrock (Oxalis crassipes 'Rosea')

Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus)

 Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Alice' (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice')

 Aztec Arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis)

Red Yucca's (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Wall Iris (Iris tectorum)

Crinum (species unknown)

Potted Plants

Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus)

 Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata)

Annuals


Indoor Plants

Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis sp.)

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Been A While

Time in the April garden seemed to sneak by without me.  Except for snipping Live Oak root sprouts, my activity during this typically nice gardening period was limited.  A busy personal schedule, drought conditions and early high temperatures conspired to keep me from accomplishing much - both in the yard and in the blog.

But there have been some stirrings in the garden.  Recent minor rains at least got the Pink Rain Lilies (Zephyranthes rosea) perked up.  A single specimen produced a nice blossom...

...with a larger patch holding the promise of additional blooms.

Planted in February, the Wall Iris (Iris tectorum) started producing its exotic blooms.  However, the flower stalks tend to sprawl - falling off to the side.  Thus the blooms are not visible unless standing directly beside the plant.

A couple of potted plants are showing some color.  The Orange Kaffir Lily (Clivia miniata) has been pretty reliable - producing a stalk of brilliant orange blooms every year.

My only "typical" cactus, the Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus) is topped by a single red flower.  The bloom does not last long, and only occurs sporadically - so its always a nice surprise when it blossoms.

Nearly a month before, during a tour of Pam Penick's garden (of Digging fame), I saw her Pittosporum Creme De Mint (Pittosporum tobira 'Shima') had already started producing significant new foliage.  Needless to say, my worry level skyrocketed - as mine was just sitting there.  And continued to do so as the weeks crept past.  But with a sigh of relief, I can report that mine finally started producing bright green new growth.

After a brief respite, temperatures are again climbing.  The drought continues.  And the garden persists.