Northern Hemisphere September 2010

[Mike Ireland]

Lapageria rosea in various colour forms just coming into flower.
L. rosea palest pink
L. rosea pink
L. rosea

Mike

[Paddy Tobin]

Oh, Divine! Mike.

Paddy

[angie]

Really lovely,  I bought L rosea this year but has not flowered as yet. Hope it will grow for me.

Angie

[Brian Ellis]

Mike, that palest pink is a stunner
I must check on my L.rosea in the morning to see if there are buds.

[Anthony Darby]

This must be how it started? I wonder how long it has been growing in this garden in sunny D? Certainly as long as I've been driving past, which is over 20 years, yet it hasn't taken over!

[Ragged Robin]

Mike, that palest pink is a stunner

I agree with Brian, Mike, it is so elegant and understated - are you growing it outside on a south facing wall? 

The first spike of Gladiolus papilio this year

Would love to see more of your Gladiolus Oleg, G.papilio looks a lovely colour 

[Mike Ireland]

Robin
The lapageria are growing in huge pots on a garage wall facing east, the only suitable location in my garden.  I have tried growing in the shade of acers but the plants do not seem to like my soil even though I used lots of peat and home made compost to plant them in.  If we have hard frosts the flowers and unopened buds fall off the plant but even last years deep freezing weather did not hurt the foliage.  As yet I have never had seed set, will keep trying.

Mike

[Ragged Robin]

Well they obviously like their position - good luck with the potential seed in the future 

[Regelian]

I am very envious and jealous of these Lapageria!  I have never managed to get ahold of one and the one in the local BotGard never sets seed for some reason.  Does one need two clones?  So, tell me, all, as this is named for Napoleon's wife (maiden name de la Page), are we calling it la-paj-ree-a or la-pa-ger-i-a-?  I vote for the first, as it is an honourific.

[Brian Ellis]

As yet I have never had seed set, will keep trying.

That is, indeed, very sad Mike

[Tony Willis]

a couple of mine. They suffered terribly last winter but are recovering.

Over the years seed has been set on several occasions and as long as it is sown fresh germinates readily.

I have sorted Jamie out with some seedlings

[fleurbleue]

Your white Lapageria is very nice Tony  What are your minima temperature in last winter ?

[Tony Willis]

It got to about -7c. I know others have found no problem but the top growth on my plants which are in pots outside was totally destroyed. They have new shoots coming from underground.

[Lvandelft]

Some flowers at the moment here
Every year when the weather gets more wet and windy, Aster amellus give some good color in the garden                 

Aster amellus Weltfriede                         

Aster amellus Moerheim Gem

A newly planted Bidens aurea Hannay's Lemon Drop promises a good performing for next year.

Since 6 years this Sedum is growing in the same spot, but did never satisfy till this September.
It's just about 25 cms. high.
Sedum telephium Carl                   

Here is another plant which is every year different. The shown plant looks rather good but
at another place I have one which much less flowers this year. It differs from year to year.
Eriogonum umbellatum                             

[Lvandelft]

No garden should be without grasses. (Words from a famous Plantsman)   I like the Molinia altissima forms always moving in the winds
and giving an aerial appearance.
Molinia altissima Cordoba
   
With Molinia altissima Windspiel I notice this year rather dark stems.                 
                           
Both would give a nice combination with the next Aster, which will reach the same height after the third year.
Aster umbellatus

Many Miscanthus are rather high or don't flower with much color. This seedling where obviously M. Ferner Osten was involved but reaching just 1.50 m.
It is already more than 10 years a good performer and will be propagated (at last) next spring
Miscanthus Indian Chief