Archive for the ‘Annuals’ category

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Lovely Border Plants: Clarkia, the Satin Flower

October 20th, 2012

Clarkia is a small genus of lovely annuals usually grown as border plants for showy flowers. Native to North America, the genus of Clarkia consists of quick growing plants that grow up to 1 to 2 meters in flower borders or large containers. These plants are easily grown from seeds and require a fertile and well-drained soil under bright sunlight.

Though most Clarkias are hardy annuals but they should be protected from long spells of drought and cold. Most plants of Clarkia are eager bloomer and produce abundance of shiny purple, pink, mauve or salmon flowers in summer. The beautiful flowers of Clarkia grow on tall spikes with single or double flowers that can be used as cut flower for floral arrangements.

Clarkia concinna

Clarkia concinna/ Image by James Gaither

Common name of Clarkia is Satin flower. Popular species include: Clarkia bottae, C. williamsonii, C. breweri, and Clarkia concinna.

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Posted in Annuals, Flowers, Outdoor

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Ricinus communis, Castor Oil Plant for Gardens and Landscapes

September 30th, 2012

Ricinus communis, commonly known as castor oil plant, is an interesting foliage plant for warm climates where it grows as a small tree (up to 5 to 10 meters). Castor oil plant is usually grown as specimen plant in landscapes for its striking foliage. In the growing season, the plant can be seen covered with new foliage of purplish-red color in contrast with older deep green color. The flowers are insignificant but the seeds pods are quite showy and colorful.

Ricinus communis, the Castor Oil Plant

Ricinus communis, the Castor Oil Plant/ Image by Katja Schulz

Ricinus communis originally belongs to warmer climates of Africa and the Indian sub-continent, however, it is grown is many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Though it makes a good plant for horticulture, Ricinus communis is an important medicinal plant as well. The seeds of Ricinus communis are source of castor oil which is widely used for many commercial purposes. It is used in preparation of fine quality lubricant for automobiles and other machinery. Castor oil extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis is also used in manufacturing of paints, cosmetics and soap industry.

Ricinus communis is a fast growing plant for warmer climates. In horticulture, various cultivars are grown as ornamental plants. Some of the popular verities of castor oil plants include: Ricinus communis ‘Red spire’ (red stem and bronze foliage), ‘Impala’ (reddish foliage), and Ricinus communis ‘Gibsonii’ (reddish foliage and pinkish seed pods).

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Posted in Annuals, Evergreen, Flowers, Foliage Plant, Zone 10a, Zone 10b, Zone 11, Zone 8a, Zone 8b, Zone 9a, Zone 9b

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Little, Lovely, and Plentiful Bloomer: Diascia, the Twinspur

September 12th, 2012

Diascia is a small genus of low-growing annuals and perennials that bloom in all shades of peach, pink, mauve, magenta and purple. Most species are excellent bloomers that give stunning display of colorful flowers in spring and summer. These small ornamentals are perfect choice for containers, window boxes, borders and rockeries for their small size and prolific flowering.

Diascia Flowers

Diascia Flowers/ Image by Clive Reid

Most species of Diascia are low-growing and sprawling plants that are perfect for filling empty spaces in gardens, landscapes, containers or windows. These small plants bear small, oval leaves of dark green colors. The unusual flowers have two horns or spurs below them that give them their common name ‘Twinspur’.

Originally native to South Africa, Diascias are grown in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world where they grow under full to partial sun. These small ornamentals are usually grown from seeds and used as container plants for summer flowering. Most species of Diascia prefer regular watering and a slightly acidic and well-drained soil.

Popular species of Diascia include:

Diascia integerrima (Pink Adobe) – A small perennial (up to 450 mm) with pink flowers that bloom almost through the warm months.

Diascia ‘Sun Chimes Coral’ – A popular variety growing up to 1.5 feet with attractive coral-pink flowers.

Diascia ‘Whisper White’ – Another popular hybrid with pure white flowers.

Diascia ‘Dew Drops’ – A popular variety among horticulturists; produces beautiful white flowers with a yellow center.

Diascia varieties

Colorful Diascias/ Image by Alwyn Ladell

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Posted in Annuals, Flowers, Perennials, Zone 10a, Zone 10b, Zone 11, Zone 9a, Zone 9b

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Lovely Flowers of Helichrysum

August 12th, 2012

Helichrysum is a large genus of flowering perennials, annuals, and shrubs with worldwide distribution in New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The genus is known for its glossy and papery flowers that come in almost all shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink including many double and single flowering varieties.

The genus of Helichrysum offers a wide range of ground covers, dwarf bloomers, and lovely shrubs that can be grown in flower beds, garden borders, rock gardens, containers as well as window gardens. These lovely bloomers require sunny exposure, loamy and sandy soil and average watering. In fact, Helichrysums can withstand drought and poor soil conditions thus making themselves a popular choice for gardeners.

Helichrysum acuminatum

Helichrysum acuminatum, Image by Michel Dignand

Because of diverse growing habit and variation in foliage and flowers, many members of the Helichrysum genus have been reclassified in smaller genera such as the Everlastings (Xerochrysum, Coronidium, Antennaria etc.).

The genus of Helichrysum is primarily popular for its showy and long lasting flowers. These flowers are often preserved as used in dry flower arrangements. Some of the species, especially Helichrysum italicum, are a source of essential oils that are valuable for their restorative properties, and medicinal uses in chest complaints, colic, fever, internal sores, coughs, colds, headaches, and skin treatment. The oil extracted from Helichrysum italicum is particularly used in aromatherapy.

Popular species of Helichrysum include:

Helichrysum petiolare – Shrubby plant with silvery foliage spreading up to 2 meters and producing ivory white flowers in summer.

Helichrysum bracteatum – Commercially known as Everlasting and grown as popular houseplant; several varities of H. bracteatum grow as small annuals and produce flowers of orange, red, pink, yellow and white color in summer.

Helichrysum splendidum – Produces dense foliage of silver-grey color and grows as erect shrubby perennial.

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Posted in Annuals, Flowers, Outdoor, Perennials, Zone 10a, Zone 10b, Zone 8a, Zone 8b, Zone 9a, Zone 9b

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Lovely, Evergreen Bush: Hamelia patens, the Firebush

July 2nd, 2012

Hamelia is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees from the family of Ixora, and like Ixora it makes an flowering bush for gardens and landscapes. The genus is perhaps best represented by  Hamelia patens, which is widely grown in hedges, borders and as an accent plant.

It is an easily grown bush that produces evergreen foliage and beautiful red or scarlet flowers almost all through the year – thus justifying it common name, Firebush. Hemalia patens grows quite quickly in tropical and sub-tropical climates and grows up to 3 or 4 feet tall with some woody growth. It grows well under full sun or partial shade and requires moderate but regular watering (though mature plants can withstand some drought). Firebush is best known for its flowers which are rich in nectar and attract a lot of butterflies. Flowering is followed by formation of small berries which are favorite food of birds especially hummingbird.

Hamelia patens, the Firebush

Hamelia patens, the Firebush, Image by Mary Keim

Grown as annual flowering bush, Firebush should be pruned regularly to keep the plant in proper shape. When allowed to grow on its own, Firebush tends to form large mounds with dense growth of evergreen foliage and small red flowers.

Besides its horticultural value, Firebush has been used by indigenous people of south and Central America for its medicinal benefits. The extract of the leaves and stems of Firebush is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, that is why, it has long been used a good remedy for all kinds of skin diseases including rashes, skin fungus, sores and insect stings. The extract is also used today for the treatment of headache, rheumatism, fever, and dysentery.

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Posted in Annuals, Drought Tolerant Plants, Evergreen, Flowers, Foliage Plant, Shrubs and Bushes, Zone 10a, Zone 10b, Zone 11, Zone 8a, Zone 8b, Zone 9a, Zone 9b

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