Making Standards
Monday, September 19, 2011I have repotted a few plants last week. I realised that as they grow bigger, repotting is not so easy anymore.
Still I could handle the Hibiscus Red Shield easily as the plant is still small/light and in a small pot. However, before I could repot this Hibiscus, I have to repot my Plumeria first as I am re-using its container to grow the Hibiscus. The Plumeria unfortunately gave me some trouble during transplanting though.
Below is an upright growing Coleus that I have been trimming into a standard (or lollipop). I have just pruned the tips of the branches last week. I hope the plant will grow lushier and more importantly, continue to look good :-)
Below is a Euphorbia Milii plant propagated from a stem cutting of the mother plant that was rotting away few months ago due to the prolonged rain. Hmm... I wonder if I could make a standard from here...
I am so glad to discover that my interest to make standards allows me to cram more plants into my garden ;-)
In the pic below... Plumeria at the rear, soon to be the tallest plant in my garden, is able to 'stretch' out its new branches without any problem.
My Hibiscus plants allows more space for the Aloe Vera and for the rest of the shrubs that are at the foreground to 'expand'. In any case, I hope they are not going to 'suffocate' hehe... ;-) Hope you too will enjoy making standards in your garden!
On a different note, I hope to see my Double Pearl Tuberosa and Gladiolus flower soon.
See ya!
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15 comments
I've never tried creating standards with any of my potted plants, but I can see how it would allow layers and different levels of planting. I'm sure your collection will look terrific in no time at all.
ReplyDeleteI have made one in my whole life, does making a standard with an ivy count?
ReplyDeleteYours look awesome and very difficult to try.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteIt's getting pretty cold here.
My ears and nose were ice cold. It's very warming to see your beautiful flowers going strong :)
Brad
One of my neighbours used to have standard roses which were stunning! I didn't know you could make standard euphorbia mili too. Good luck with all your standards!
ReplyDeleteSomething that I could try too. All those plants clubbed together look good! I nearly lost my euphorbia this year (rotting) but pruning helped. Still raining here....I was away but the rain took care.:)
ReplyDeleteHi Steph, looks like you were out for a while, been checking a few times for your post. I think Coleus are more like annuals than perennials and maybe they are difficult to be trained like your intention. Coleus easily succumbs to change of conditions, although it is easy to grow. Have you seen a Coleus made that way already nearby? Maybe it is easier to train a perennial like a hibiscus.
ReplyDeleteIf my hand can reach, I really like to peek what colour is your gladioulus is hehehe...
ReplyDeleteRe-potting is time consuming... interesting idea on the standards...
ReplyDeleteStandard euphorbia? That's new to me! You have many potted plants!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have been busy! I really needed to repot some of my plants too, but keep putting them off! Will have to do it soon! Happy Gardening!
ReplyDeleteHi Steph. Oleanders looks really nice as standards. I had a Polianthes tuberosa once. It bloomed for a few years, then stopped. I should try it again.
ReplyDeleteHi Steph, I am pleased to read that you are achieving a good standard - lol. I think I have created standards occasionally - but by accident just snipping absentmindedly. cheers, catmint
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
ReplyDeleteI luv your Euphorbia Milii (I don't know how to pronounse it) but it surely is rare and lovely looking :)
Brad
ooh, that euphorbia milii is so cute! I bet repotting those big guys can be unwieldy - especially trying to get them straight!
ReplyDeleteRosey, to my knowledge, that's also topiary :-D
ReplyDeleteLotusleaf, Kanak, Malar with E.milii I think it will be quite difficult to make it into a standard as we have lots of rain here. The trunk might just rot one day.
Andrea, I am not sure. But for now, I think it's just me doing it ;-)
Thanks for all your great comments. Cheers!