November 2024 in the Southern Hemisphere

[fermi de Sousa]

November is the end of spring and we are hurtling towards summer.
There are still a lot of flowers coming before the garden goes into its "summer dormancy".
1) Tritonia crocata orange shades
2) Ornithogalum thyrsioides
3 & 4) Eremophila hygrophana
5) Herbertia lahue
cheers
fermi

[fermi de Sousa]

Harking back to the discussion with Robert in the October Thread, here are a couple of "Themids"
1 & 2) Dichelostemma volubile
3 & 4) Triteleia ixioides
cheers
fermi

[Robert]

Hi Fermi,

Thank you for all the information.



Here in California I am working on developing forms of Triteleia ixioides with enhanced deep maroon markings on the petals. This is a characteristic I enjoy immensely. Currently I am using both ssp. scabra and unifolia in these hybrids. They are such easy plants to please in the garden, tolerant of a fair degree of summertime irrigation and/or completely summertime xeric conditions.

While on the topic of plants that thrive where summers are extremely hot and dry, here are a few other plants I am working with.



This is Delphinium patens ssp. patens growing in our Sacramento garden. This low elevation California native goes completely dormant during the summer. It is a xeric species that is not bothered by extreme summertime heat or drought. The forms that I grow bloom into the late spring, extending our garden’s bloom period before the garden goes into its summer dormancy.



The flowers of the species range in color from light lavender-pink through deep lavender-blue. Currently, I am working on my second generation of hybrids. I have selections that persist and bloom consistently each season in our Sacramento garden. Extending the color range is another goal.



Pictured is Delphinium hansenii ssp. hansenii blooming in our Sacramento garden. It is another xeric low elevation species.



My favorite xeric, low elevation species is Delphinium gracilentum. This species also has an extended range of flower colors.

[Robert]

Yet another local xeric species I am working with is Allium campanulatum. Here in our Sacramento garden the flowers tend to be washed-out pale pink, however through selection I am hoping to find forms that will bloom consistently with deeper pink flowers in our low elevation garden.

All these plants thrive in wintertime cool/moist – summertime extremely hot/dry climates. They seem like they would be good additions to gardens in climates like yours. Likely gardeners in your area already grow these species, however if not, these species might be worth considering.

[fermi de Sousa]

Hi Robert,
those delphiniums are something else I  might try someday.
This Brodiaea came up as a volunteer - I wonder if it's Brodiaea elegans?
cheers
fermi