I haven't been able to spend as much time in my garden or visiting with all you great folks at the Stew as I would like, and I miss it (and all of you) terribly, :'( but circumstances around here have been "challenging" this summer, with some upsets in the extended family. And now, the weather here on the southern coast of North Carolina has become quite steamy, making outdoor chores something best done early in the morning or in the evening . . . and the zilliards of hungry mosquitos know just when and where to look for me! It's madness I tell you!! Anyway, a lot of the plants I grow love these nearly tropical conditions (they're not bothered by 'skeeters) and they're blooming their fool heads off. :-D Belamcanda chinensis ~ These members of the Iris family are as tough as nails. I'm looking forward to propagating many more from the blackberry-like seed heads which will begin to mature soon. Angelonia and Cuphea ~ A combination of annuals that I really like together, I must remember to do this again next year. Pachystachys lutea ~ 'Golden Shrimp Plant' growing as an annual in front of my glasshouse. I'll have to root cuttings soon, to winter over for next summer. I grow many hardy Hibiscuses, but as a native Floridian, I have a real weakness for the tropical types, which I must grow in containers as they will not tolerate our zone 8 winters without protection. Crested Hibiscus rosa sinensis 'ElCapitolio' and frilly Hibiscus schizopetalus ~ dark pink NOID I continue adding Hedychiums to my flowerbeds, most of which have proved to be pretty hardy here in zone 8, most don't start blooming 'til August, but will continue for several months. They add great fragrance as well as color. Hedychium coccineum ~ Hedychium 'Dr.Moy' ~ Hedychium coronarium ~ 'White Butterfly Ginger' Tibouchina grandifolia ~ with Gloriosa rothschildiana Tibouchina flowers against a clear Carolina Blue sky The first Plumeria I've grown from seed The first flower unfurls I'm a very proud mama! I love these waxy, bright red, Anthurium flowers I grow them in containers and will move them into the house where they'll continue blooming well into winter. Sorry about the photo-overload, now I've GOT to get back to neatening up the house it's quarter til 5 here and our guests will probably get in around 7. I've got another load of laundry to do. :-?
AWESOME!!! I think crested hibiscus is my new favorite! Plumeria from seed??? You are my hero Deanna :-D
Your pictures are so beautiful. A wonderful gardener and photographer to boot! I've never seen Belamcanda chinensis, and I think I'd give my right eye for one! We have Irises here like crazy, but nothing that spectacular.
Fantastic pictures Zuzu! What a bunch of gorgeous blooms you have...I'm not sure I can pick a favorite, they are all amazing!
Now that's what we've been missing all your beautiful photographs!! Your plumeria is gorgeous and another favourite of mine is your Belamcanda chinensis.
Now you've done it ZZP, I must have the golden shrimp plant, the tibouchina I've wanted forever, but can't find them around here, and of course the blackberry lily. When Richard gets mad at me because I take over another vegetable spot of his I will blame it on you. Fabulous flowers and photos as always.
