Alexa of Invisible Bees suggested that I soften my disdain for certain plants by pointing out the ones I love. So here goes…
- Aeonium arborium ‘Tricolor’ — I love aeoniums in general, and this one in particular (pictured above). I love anything with variegated foliage, and if you add in flecks of red, I am just over the top with love. My Tricolor aeonium has opened up significantly since this photo was taken, you can see it here.
- Calibrachoa hybrid Million Bells ‘Terra Cotta’ – What’s not to love about a plant that will spill over the side of your pot and stay covered (practically all year long) in soft orange flowers flecked with deep red?
- Ipomea batatas Sweet Potato Vine – I have a variety that has lime green new leaves that age to a rusty-purple color. The look great spilling over the edge of the pot.
- Dahlia hybrid Happy Single ‘Party’ – I loved this plant until caterpillars ate it. It has deep purple, nearly black leaves and stems and tons of single yellow flowers. The plants formed nice, compact bushes that were attractive even without the flowers.
- Zauschneria californica California Fuchsia ‘Catalina’ – A friend of mine has given me two of these plants and I absolutely love them. They have feathery silver foliage and candy apple red flowers that look like fuchsias. Some people seem to think that you can’t grow very many native plants successfully in containers, but I know for a fact that California Fuchsia doesn’t mind. Oh, and hummingbirds love this plant too.
So, you can’t just complain either. What are your favorite plants?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
If I had to choose just one flower, it would be a new favorite, lantana, I think. I was familiar with the plant, but had no idea it came in such gorgeous color combinations! Given that it’s a butterfly magnet as well, it’s a winner for me. Another one of my favorites is one that you like least: geraniums.
I generally love perennials, and flowering shrubs. Don’t get me started about all the different varieties of hydrangeas, swoooooon. But if I had to choose, Ipomea, Sweet Caroline, and Blue Lagoon Lobelia. It is much better behaved than regular lobelia. Had to rack my brain to even remember any plants. They are so gone, I also love white cosmos.
Jen
The star of my balcony is Yellow Butterfly Hibiscus. Also, my Felicia Daisy Blue always makes me smile. I’m also very happy with Pennisetum Rubrum…it’s a beautiful red grass but not invasive! Recently, I’ve also been in love with Velvet Red Coleus and Licorice. I also really like Cosmos but they just can’t beat the powdery mildew this year…
Nancy — Lantana is another good one. I have one with variegated leaved and pink and yellow flowers. I love it!
Jen — I am going to plant white cosmos at my parents house. I think the variety is called ‘Sea Shells’ or something like that. It has ruffled petals. I wish I had more space for things like hydrangeas.
Kelle — Your balcony sounds amazing! I’d love to see photos.
It’s always tough for me to single out one favorite. But I always end up saying it’s the rose, specifically ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ for her aroma.
TC — Oooh, I love David Austin’s roses! I don’t currently grow any roses, but if I had a larger garden I definitely would.
I’ve found my garden to not be super photogenic, but here’s a recent “big picture” shot. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelle/3017909026/
At the moment, Agave bracteosa. It’s such a unique color — the same shade as Granny Smith apples. And, unlike most agaves, it doesn’t have spikes. And, for once, I planted something in the perfect place the first time. It’s a great focal point.
Sharon — I didn’t know what that Agave looked like off the top of my head, so I googled it. I didn’t know the name, but I think Agave bracteosa is one of the plants I admire growing along the road on one of my usual routes! It was planted along the road, near a cliff overlooking a park in Signal Hill. It looks great in a large planting with other succulents and drought tolerant plants.