From China with Love

Petrocosmeas hail from China and most form these tight succulent basal rosettes that conjure up images of the tightest and neatest high alpines. It is a genus of the family Gesneriaceae the African violet family. Most of the species within this genus are endemic to high-altitude areas in Western China, although some are native to other parts of Asia. It generally grows on wet mossy rocks or forests of limestone in shady areas.  There are approximately 13 species, 7 of which I grow. The plants featured in this post are Petrocosmea flaccida which comes from a shaded ledge on a sandstone cliff near Mount Emei. It was previously unknown outside of China, but is now admired in Europe and North America because of its deep purple flowers. The other two species that are currently blooming are P. formosa and P. barbata.

These plants like cool shadier conditions and so most are grown under two flouresecnt tubes or in an east facing windowsill.  The flowers are floriferous and quite long-lasting. I adore this little know genus.

Correa "Carmine Bells"

Correa is a lovely genus and shrub I have been growing for a few years. My fellow gardener and friend Barry gave me a cutting of this. It comes from Australia and is not hardy here in the Northern Hemisphere. I quite likes the heat and cool weather equally. In late summer you get a flush of these gorgeous fuschia pink bells. This plant will bloom until early spring in the cool greenhouse which is where it will spend its winter. This plant is rare grown or found in collections as it is difficult to come by. It is an evergreen plant which never goes dormant. The plant is probably a hybrid between reflexa and pulchella.

Clematis heracleifolia

Is a beautiful herbacious perennial not a vine.It comes from China and is 3-4' tall. It blooms from July to Fall and is therefore an excellent additon to the garden for fall colour. Even more pleasant is that fact that it has a delicate scent and the flowers are a tubular purple colour.

Salvia guaranitica ' Black & Blue '

Salvia guaranitica is a lovely annual shrublike plant from South America. The common name is Anise-Scented Sage which I feel does not aptly describe its scent. If you want to attract Hummingbirds to your garden this is the plant to do it with.  Just yesterday I saw the lovely Ruby-Throated Hummingbird sipping its sweet nectar. What a sight to behold! This plant also generates garden interest from other gardeners.  It is one of my favourites as the combination of the flower a lovely deep blue set against the deep purple calyx make this a sensational Salvia.

This Salvia forms tubers that can be stored over winter like Dahlias to be replanted in the garden next summer. Who knew!  This is a plant of great garden interest that is now garnering appreciation from keen gardeners.

Great Balls of Fire!

Scadoxus multiflorus is a gorgeous bulb from South Africa.  I have not grown it for many many years and decided to grow it again,. Boy I am glad I did. I had forgotten the hypnotic beauty it possesses. This Genus use to be under the Genus Haemanthus which translates to Blood flower. It is very slow to get going after planting in mid April as it requires a great deal of sun and heat to prode it into growing. We had an abundance of both this summer. The spectacular flower is a huge spherical umbel consisting of up to 200 flowers held clear of the foliage. The flowers last 1-2 weeks. I have a great affinity for South African plants and they are some of the most biodiverse in the plant kingdom not to mention respledent!  This fact will be revealed in future posts. Enjoy the firework display!

Chirita Dielsii

This delightful plants hails from China and is a Gesneriad. It hs been blooming in the shade of my outdoor greenhouse since June.  It is one of my favourite plants in my collection. I adore it.