It's a bit early for a July 4th blog post, but as I was taking photos in the garden recently, I realized that I was starting to get a little patriotic theme going.
The white Texas Star Hibiscus, Hibiscus coccineus 'Alba', a passalong from fellow garden blogger Ursula, has been doing very well. (Ursula will be pleased that I didn't kill it!!)
These are the best I've managed to get so far. Hopefully there will be more blooms when I am home this weekend.
I have them growing in containers positioned in front of the Rose of Sharon or Althea (Hibiscus syriacus) and the Flame Acanthus or Hummingbird Bush (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) which are growing in the ground. There's also a Hamelia Patens in a container in the same area, although it was hit hard by the winter freezes and it's only now starting to put out tiny buds.
But in the meantime, the Flame Acanthus is in full bloom and is a hummingbird magnet. I was thrilled to snap a photo (from a distance) of a male ruby throat checking out the blooms.
Looking at this little vignette makes me realize -- I need some BLUE plants for my July 4th garden!
Actually, I *do* have an Indigo Spires Sage, but it's clear on the other side of the garden, by the dining room window. I'll have to see what I can do about getting some growing in the back border along with the red and white.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy July 4th.
Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.
8 comments:
Jayne: Great hummer picture! It is always precious to see this little guy visiting the garden. Happy 4th of July!
Thanks Ami. Eventually, I hope to have more to offer the hummers that visit my garden. It's filling out slowly, but it's good to see they like what I have so far.
Your garden has made such big strides since you started blogging. Think there's a relationship?
Going to put your firebush in the ground in autumn?
Other hummer plants with blooms at different times: Big red sage (salvia penstemonoides) has great blooms, standing cypress isn't a perennial but reseeds well, coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) would be pretty growing along your fence, Texas Betony is tough and blooms spring & fall, pineapple sage blooms early & late also--last year here it was still blooming on New Years when the rufous hummingbird showed up.
Have a great 4th.
Thanks for the suggestions Kathleen. Yes, I want to get the firebush in the ground eventually. Fall would definitely be a good time to work on it.
I hope you have a good 4th too.
These beautiful flowers are all new for me. I love the coral red color of the Flame Acanthus.
You see! With all the changes in your neighborhood, the little birds keep coming to your flowers.
Happy 4th of July Jayne!
Thanks Maia. I was just thinking today that it seemed like we had MORE birds in the garden today. Perhaps they are spending more time with us *because* their habitat next door is gone. I'm just glad I was able to get some things growing before they cleared the lots on either side.
Dear Jayne, I hope you had a great 4th of July. Your red, white and blue blooms are lovely! P. x
Hi Jayne,
I enjoyed seeing your red white and blue blooms. I hope you had a great fourth. I was inside with kids most of the time, which was fine with me.
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