Tuesday, June 7, 2016

My plants are happy...

The heat is doing crazy things in my garden, and I don't think it's just this year's heat (although it's been hot, really hot). Last summer was a scorcher and our winter didn't bring temperatures below 20F (although we did have a snow and ice event). As you may remember, back in April my Nolina microcarpa bloomed (sadly no seeds have developed).

And in May I was thrilled by the first blooms on my Echinocereus triglochidiatus v. gonacanthus hybrid.

But it doesn't end there. Look at all the fruit developing on the Poncirus trifoliata! Word is these are more of a decorative fruit, edible but not tasty.

I thought the fruit on my Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) had all aborted – but whadda ya know, I found 6 tiny little guys hiding among the leaves.

I've read mixed reports on these, taste-wise, but I can honestly say I really liked it (I've only eaten one so far). It was a little tart, so I think I'll let the others ripen a bit more.

Also getting in on the game, the Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) have multiple buds on each plant! I've had a grand total of 5 flowers ever in the history of these plants so it's a very exciting development. Maybe, just maybe, there will be fruit on these soon too?

The experimental Leucadendron (left in the ground over winter, that's it at the bottom of the photo below) L. 'Silvan Red' is growing like mad, as is the Abutilon megapotamicum 'Red'. The Abutilon lost it's leaves over the winter but there was no real die-back. The darn thing has been blooming like this for almost two months now, can it keep it up all summer?

With all the talk of our warming planet it's easy to think the warm temperatures we've been experiencing here in Portland may be the new norm, but I doubt it. We'll experience another cold winter and cool wet spring and those plants that have been strutting their stuff, loving the heat, will be cut down. I'm looking at you Acacia dealbata...

Another plant experiencing explosive growth, Symphytum × uplandicum 'Axminster Gold'. This was just a tiny 4" pot last year. Truth be told I've cut it back since this photo was taken. I want the big rosette of colorful foliage, although I (and the bees) enjoyed the flowers.

Aloe blooms on the way! Aloe dorotheae...

And Aloe striatula.

All three of my Callistemon ‘Woodlander's Hardy Red’ are extra vibrant this year, and there are massive amounts of flowers.

Oh and I can't forget the Agaves, here you can see a pair of A. ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'. Last summer's heat, combined with all the watering I did to keep the garden looking good for an August tour, well the Agaves loved it. Here's hoping things stay happy as real summer kicks in...

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

21 comments:

  1. Isn't it nice when you get all these blooms, growth and fruits? Like the plants are thanking you as well as enjoying the weather :) Love loquat fruits btw, yum!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perfect! That is exactly what it feels like.

      Delete
  2. Despite your recent heatwave, it seems you have just the right balance going on. I hope your heat abates - it can get old fast.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomorrow is back down to the high 70's and the week ahead looks positively Portland (cloudy, drizzle, high 60's low 70's). I miss my California weather already.

      Delete
  3. Climate change is real. As gardeners we're more in tune with the weather than most others. Your garden is certainly benefiting from the warmer temperatures. Everything looks just beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we are, but then I hear a gardener who thinks these high temps are the new normal and we're now Zone 9. Sorry sister, not the case. High temps will happen but the cold isn't gone. Plant for Zone 9 and you're gonna be sorry. (but thanks!)

      Delete
  4. Looking great! I know you wait for this each year....enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  5. My garden and I are also loving the heat but we're only in the upper 80's here. Congratulations on your first loquat and that Leucadendron making it through the winter! You're right, there will be another cold winter one of these days but it's sure nice to revel in all the plants that have flown the last few years with flying colors! In answer to your question, yes, the abutilon will continue flowering all summer, fall, and part of winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess it was kind of a rhetorical question, but I do appreciate your confirming the fact.

      Delete
  6. Mild winters are the best, aren't they? I can do with a mild summer too... Like you I'm hoping that mild is in our future winters, but know that it just takes a few days or so to break that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed...one cold night and the fact the rest of the winter was a breeze does not matter...

      Delete
  7. Damn your plants look good! Please post if you do get pineapple guava flowers and what you think may have helped. I have 3 of them and have gotten 1 flower in 4 years (my main reason for having them). I refuse to pull them out but am definitely annoyed! Best, Moxie & Moss Gardens

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes...flowers are happening now, like crazy! Those fat buds have almost all opened over the last couple of days. Now to see if I get fruit.

      Delete
  8. Got to love those mild winters. Everything looks so happy.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This post makes me pine for the loquat trees I had in Watsonville CA. When fully ripe, they were my second favorite fruit, next to pineapple. I had two varieties, which tasted quite different, but both were roughly similar to ripe pear with a hint of lemon. Someday I hope to have a Poncirus like yours--I think I read they make decent marmalade. Regarding your question yesterday, I doubt I'll ever do the weekly vase challenge. I have a really hard time cutting flowers...the time, the desecration, the upkeep. Plus, I think I need all the flowers to stay outside to pull me away from my computer once in awhile. A health strategy of sorts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I picked my last two Loquat fruits today, very ripe. I will be thinking about your description "ripe pear with a hint of lemon" when I eat them. My Poncirus has totally surprised me! From zero to 60 in under 5 seconds. Oh and the Aeonium challenge isn't just about a vase arrangement...that's just one option of hundreds! It can be anything (in ground, jewelry, shoe decorations, a framed piece, etc, etc...) anything that includes a Aeonium...

      Delete
  10. Your plants look like they are in 7th heaven. If there is one thing gardeners know, it is that whatever we learned and experienced one year will be useless the next year. Climate change seems to be about wild swings and much confusion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are spot on... wild swings and much confusion. Zone 9 means nothing when you have a low Zone 8 night or two.

      Delete
  11. I had heard that you can eat the Pineapple Guava flowers, but maybe I'm mistaken. Have you ever tried? Oh, and I need that Symphytum × uplandicum 'Axminster Gold'. Where did you get yours, if I may ask? Thanks for the heat wave happy plant update!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Comment moderation is on (because you know: spam), I will approve and post your comment as soon as possible!