Tuesday, March 29, 2016

What's new at Marbott's?

You know how you're just driving down the road, headed home and all of a sudden you find yourself in a nursery parking lot? Ya, I love when that happens. Today's unexpected visit is a stop at Marbott's Nursery in NE Portland. Old school, family owned, and wonderful.

Euphorbia polychroma 'Bonfire'

Has anyone had success with this plant? I was thrilled a couple of years ago when I first discovered it. Then a blog commenter said something like "ya, good luck, mine disappeared after the first year" – I thought "whadda spoil-sport!" But you know what, they were right.

This on the other hand is a perfect little plant, season after season. Saxifraga macnabiana...

Lots-o-Colocasia!

Summer!

I'm still in the midst of major Abutilon lust, but this one?

I just don't like how busy the leaves are.

Cordyline banksii Electric Star

The variegation is so fabulous on this plant. I bought the last gallon sized plant they had in spring of 2015, might have to go back for a couple of these 4" plants (still hefty at $9.95)

More summer! Love the colors...

Papyrus. I had to laugh when I saw these, remembering the times old Mr. Marbott told me he wouldn't sell me one because it was too early, still to cold...

I got a similar warning this time when I walked in: "Don't even look at the tomatoes, still too early..." Yes sir, I won't even look at the tomatoes.

Thank goodness for signage. I thought this looked pretty sweet.

But ugh, look at what it turns into! (pardon me if you think that's attractive)...

WOW and double WOW!

I seriously considered the purchase...

I mean look at all those flowers! The plant however, it really wasn't that attractive. But the flowers!

Lewisia! Love the plant and the flowers.

And who says color has to come from flowers?

Finally this guy...isn't he just cute in his fuzzy green robe?

All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

34 comments:

  1. I actually like that Abutilon pictum 'Thompsonii' (the one with yellow speckled leaves). I have one in the far corner of the backyard and it really lights it up.

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    1. And can you see the flowers for the speckles?

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  2. Zing went the strings of my heart at the sight of those Kalanchoe flowers. How awesome are those? I have a tiny little Rhododendron cinnabarinum that survived two brutal winters outdoors (barely) and now is in container recovery-allegedly the flowers will be a vaguely similar, pendant shape with an orangey glow. Fingers crossed, since I know the color is variable.

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  3. You are so lucky to have so many great nurseries/garden centers nearby. I wouldn't have been able to pass up that Kalanchoe.

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  4. I had that Abutilon for a couple of years, but this winter it died after not getting enough water. I'm going to give Abutilon a rest for a while. Great nursery post! I'm one of those strange people who likes threadleaf Coreopsis.

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    1. Actually I doubt you're the strange one...it's probably me.

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  5. Marbott's and Mr. M are always so much fun! Lots of great new things since I was there last. I got one of those Kalanchoes there last year and it bloomed almost all summer. When the blooms are finished, they dry attractively as they stay on the plant and when a breeze blows by, they make a cute little tinkling sound as they hit each other. You're right, the plant is just so so but in can hang from the ceiling of the shade pavilion during the winter. Marbott's is so close to your house, the blooms are so sweet... I'm with you on the spotted leaved abutilons. They look diseased to me.

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  6. I can't believe that I still haven't made it to that nursery. I love the fatherly advice, but it sort of begs the question: why is he selling them before he's willing to sell them? I keep being attracted to Saxifrages, then losing them. Really? This one with the exceptional leaf edges is bulletproof? I'm on my way (well, not literally).

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    1. Never been there? Ya...well that sales thing, they don't have any off limits greenhouses so if it's being grown then you have access to it. Really? You're loosing Saxifrages? I wonder why?

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  7. Most nurseries around here are opening on April 16. The owners of the one I used to wander into because it was very near home decided to retire a couple of years ago. The whole building is gone and the site is empty. Ugh. That Abutilon has beautiful flowers but they would be impossible to see with that foliage. I tried that Euphorbia with little luck. Of course, our climate is so different that might be the reason.

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    1. Not until April 16th? That would KILL me - as would an empty greenhouse.

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  8. I've been tempted by that Euphorbia time and time again...but I have such bad luck with them.

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  9. To answer your first question, oh yes, I know that feeling/experience. No, I've never tried that Euphorbia, but I have a straight species E. polychroma that's been here and survived since we've lived here--like 15+ years. Re: the Tickseed ... it depends on where it's planted, and that isn't a very good photo. I thought it was attractive (although past peak bloom) as a border plant at the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Rockford, Ill. http://bit.ly/1LYikVD. Thanks for the encouragement to start visiting local nurseries. Almost that time of year!

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    1. My straight E polychroma has been great too...maybe I should take a chance on that one again. Get out there and visit a nursery!

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  10. That frog is positively regal. That kalanchoe is gorgeous in bloom. I like Peter's enabling. I'm considering a stop at Joy Creek this Friday on my way home.

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    1. Peter is dangerous that way...can't wait to hear about Joy Creek! I doubt I'll be out there until the swap in May.

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  11. My Euphorbia 'Bonfire' is in its third year and doing fine. Maybe just the luck of the draw, or luck of the site. No special treatment.

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    1. Or maybe you're just an incredible gardener?

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  12. There's no school like the old school! Lucky you are to have this close by.

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  13. I'm so ready for a nursery trek. My 'Bonfire' didn't last long. Lovely photos. And now I'm headed back out to the garden. Cheers

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    1. Have you not been to a nursery yet this year? Get out there!

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  14. Though probably not the case for the ablution, there is a type of virus that creates mottled foliage on ablution plants called the ablution mosaic virus. It can be transmitted by grafting, rarely by seed and a type of white-fly found in Brazil. A plant can still be infected and have all green leaves.

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    1. That sounds horrid, but yes...I don't think that's the case with this plant.

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  15. I second the double wow on the Kalanchoes.

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  16. Love Marbott's! Been going there for over 20 years. They always give excellent advice as well.

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  17. I admit with a bit of a giant grin... Froggy ROCKS! Our last week's 2' of snow just melted. I need to separate my desires to playfulness but next week, I can enjoy the rest of your beauties. We will be in the 70's!

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    1. Yay for the 70's! It's warm and sunny here...74!

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