Before we dive into the world of these stunning “new” amaryllis, let’s talk for just a minute about names. While I have used the word “amaryllis” in the title and again in the first sentence, it’s because I’m writing for you, the gardening public, and not because it is necessarily accurate. In fact, amaryllis has become…
It’s clivia season! I always wait with anticipation in mid- to late March to see whether or not the clivias are going to flower in April. I have two–the common orange variety, Clivia miniata and the much rarer yellow-flowering form ‘Citrina’. Both are extremely special plants. The orange one is special because it came from…
Hippeastrum cybister. Yes, yes, I know. More weird plants. Why not just talk about good old-fashioned red Christmas amaryllis? (Yawn.) Or everyone’s favorite, ‘Appleblossom’? (Yawn.) Or that beautiful red-and-white striped one that Granny grew every year? (Yaaawwn.) Alright, alright. I’m being unfair. I’m sounding like I don’t like the traditional, large-flowered Christmas amaryllis when really,…
It’s no secret that I’m a plant nut. I wouldn’t be on here doing all of this blogging if I wasn’t! I’m particularly interested in variegated plants and thought I’d share one of my absolute favorites with you. Eucharis, commonly known as Amazon lily, isn’t all that rare in its own right, but about a…
While winter’s icy grip may have many gardeners house-bound for several more weeks, there is no reason to let the fact that the ground is frozen keep us from gardening. And even if you live in a milder climate where the ground is workable and the days are balmy, winter is still a great season…
(Originally posted January 3, 2008) Funny, in the plant world, how one genus can hold some of the most beloved and reviled plants in a single embrace. Begonias are an excellent case in point. If I never saw another “bedding begonia”, aka Begonia semperflorens it would not hurt my feelings. I would not, for one…
(Originally posted December 19, 2007)“Is there a difference?”, you may ask. Yes, there is–and it’s one of my biggest holiday pet peeves, horticulturally speaking! With today’s mass market mentality and the ease of growth of the “Holiday Cactus”, one group of hybrids has essentially taken over the holiday market. However, the truth of the matter…