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Saturday, December 04, 2010Hibiscus Swamp Mallow bloom is the biggest flower in my garden thus far. The flower is bigger than my palm!
While the bud takes a number of days to form, the flower closes fast after opening in the morning. By late morning, once the sun is bright, the bloom will begin to close.
Hydrangea flower bracts are the most long lasting. They can last for about three months. The colour will be light purple at first (the pic below shows the latest bloom) and will slowly turn light pink.
At the last stage, the flower bracts will turn light green with a pink blush. I am glad to report that the plant has not stopped blooming since it started flowering in September :-)
The smallest bloom is from my Poinsettia. They add beauty to the flower bracts. However, no more is left this week as they have all dropped off already :-(
Recently, I have added Bougainvillea to my garden. After some pruning, the bracts quickly grew back. However, after a few heavy rainfalls, all its white with pink blush bracts are gone...
Another fast blooming plant is the Petunia. Earlier the blooms have more white in its flower... probably due to the recent rainy days and cooler than usual evenings, the flower has more blue than white.
Ipomoea Blackie... its foliage is as attractive as its flower, a sure winner in any garden!
Meanwhile my Guzmania bloom looks like it can last for another month :-D
Btw in the first pic above is my Aloe Vera, the biggest succulent in my garden ;-)
Have a great December!
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26 comments
GUzmania bloom can lasst for 3 months if the conditions are right. I am surprised that your hibiscus flower lasts for such a shor time. Here, they only close when the sun goes down. Ipomea blackie is a sure winner:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blooms, as always! I like the way you've shot the first photo..through the aloe vera. That petunia is stunning. Great shade of blue thee. Ipomoea blackie is good but ipomoea varieties tend to be invasive. At least yours is in a container. As for the guzmanai...that's a winner!
ReplyDeletegreat variety of plants Steph. I have aloe vera in a pot near the front door so it can be used in the case of burns. It's not nearly as big as yours. I love the photo of the hibiscus, I almost feel I can touch the crinkles. cheers, catmint
ReplyDeleteSo different nature creates its beauty. Your hibiscus is fantastic even though short blooming. Me being som tired in the morning wouldn't stand a chanse of seeing it, a pity, really a beautie :)
ReplyDeleteMmm, beautuful flowers.. i really liked..
ReplyDeleteWow - I've never seen that particular Ipomea in bloom!
ReplyDeleteLike Kanak7, I like your first photo the most. Biggest flower behind your biggest succulent plant.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a diverse collection of blooms! Lovely post!
ReplyDeletelovely... everytime i visit your site sure bring a smile to my face :)
ReplyDeletemy water lily finally bloom for the first time today and i was bragging about it all day...
I still think its amazing how similar your garden is to those here in Florida! The Swamp Mallow is actually at homes in the marshes of Florida, and I see them bloom en masse in the early summer!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing.. I love the colours you have.. the light pink hibiscus and Hydrangea! I'm from Singapore so am in a similar climate - pls.. can u share how u get the Hydrangeas to stay alive?
ReplyDeleteLovely blooms Steph especially your hydrangeas!
ReplyDeleteLot´s of woderful flowers in your garden. I really like hydrangea, lovely flowers.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day.
Open Kitchen Concept, place the plant in a bright shade. Some dabble of sunlight is ok. Water thouroughly daily. During hotter than normal days, when you see leaves droop, water again in the evening. Use loose and well draining soil and add some compost. I grow this plant from a small young plant. The plant blooms on the following year after I repotted it into a much larger pot.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Hibiscus could get so large! They are flourishing under your care, Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steph! I'm gonna get a pot for myself! There's something special about blue flowers isn't it?
ReplyDeleteSwamp mallows are one of my favorite blooms. They're so large and old fashioned looking that I can't help but admire them.
ReplyDeleteMy hibiscus behave in the same way too!
ReplyDeleteYour petunia looks so beautiful!
Ipomoea Blackie flower do look a bit like morning glory!
Many flowers are blooming for Christmas i guest!
What an amazing selection you've shown us. The color combos are just beautiful. I love that ipomoea flower. I think I grew that but never saw any flowers! :(
ReplyDeletelovely photos, in particular the first two.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted by all your blooms! So interesting that hydrangea flower bracts change color as they age. And the light flowers of the Ipomoea Blackie look so sweet against the dark leaves. Lovely pictures. :D
ReplyDeleteSuch colorful beauties! Delighted to see your postings, Steph :)
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that Hydrangea blooms last that long. Something to look forward too hopefully next summer. I planted one last spring, but it didn't bloom just yet.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Hi Steph! Very pretty and colorful group of flowers you have there.
ReplyDeleteRE: the poinsettias, have you checked out this post yet? So much information.
http://leavesnbloom.blogspot.com/2010/12/care-tips-for-poinsettias-harbinger-of.html
You have some lovely blooms in your garden! I love the Ipomoea Blackie. Is that a rosemary plant behind it?
ReplyDeletekitchen flavour, yes that's a rosemary.
ReplyDeleteBom, thanks for recommending that site. Lots of useful info.
Thanks all! I love the plants that are in your garden as well. Have a great day :-D