We're back in Santa Cruz, California, at the
University's Arboretum and Botanic Garden—Andrew and I visited last January. After touring the Australian garden, we've now wandered into the South African Garden.
Leucadendron argenteum, the silver tree.
I've seen several of these gems in other Botanic Gardens, as well as a few private gardens, but I've never seen any as large as the ones I saw growing here in Santa Cruz. They were AMAZING!
Of course really they're spectacular no matter the size.
Okay, let's admire some Protea flowers (with a few Leucadendron mixed in)...
Protea 'Red Ice'
Protea magnifica 'Empress'
Thamnochortus insignis, a species of grass-like restio of the family Restionaceae. This one is female (so said the signage).
Protea neriifolia 'Late Mink'
Leucadendron salignum 'Winter Red'
Protea longifolia—pink (long-leaf sugarbush).
Leucadendron 'Inca Gold'
Protea cynaroides, King Protea.
As I mentioned in Monday's post, this garden is a little wild and natural, labeling was sometimes a little hard to find, so I can't tell you the names of many plants.
No ID restio
Leucadendron salignum 'Red Gem'
No ID Protea
No ID Protea
Phylica pubescens
Protea magnifica 'Empress'
Puya berteroniana—which were in the South African Garden, but are actually native to the Andes Mountains in Chile
Leucospermum glabrum 'Helderfontein'
Into the South African Succulents section now, where we finally saw blooming aloes!
Aloe cryptopoda (Geelaalwyn)
No ID Aloe
Euphorbia enopla
Another tall Leucadendron argenteum.
Protea obtusifolia (limestone sugarbush)
No ID Leucadendron
No ID Leucadendron
Protea 'Susara'
Ending with a Leucadendron argenteum close-up, so much beauty! Come back on Friday for the final post from this series.
The Bit at the End
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This garden is delicious! I truly lost my mind when I saw those huge Leucadendron argenteum in person. They were so liquid metal, I didn't even recognize them for what they were. I had to be told, those are your beloved silver trees. Embarrassing. I can see that I need to visit in January, great photos btw. Troy is the best, I second your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteDo visit in January, and I love your description "liquid metal," perfect.
DeleteThose Leucadendron argenteum trees are mind blowing!
ReplyDeleteI adored them at the southern tip of England, at 8" tall, but this is ridiculous.
So many cool plants from the other side of the world; Phylica pubescens is one I'm sure I saw on your blog before. Whether on your wish list or something you tried to grow, I can't remember. It looks soft and sweet, nothing like Euphorbia enopla: stylish and dangerous, perfect for your garden theme.
Chavli
I did try to grow Phylica pubescens, or rather I planted it knowing full well there wasn't much of a chance it would live, but I would enjoy it for a season (or maybe two). Such a cool plant!
DeleteIt's been such a long time since I've been to this garden. I enjoyed the kind of wild-ish vibe, it's nice to see it still has the same feel, plus the plants look happy.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what it is about them, but I'd love to grow Protea. Maybe I'll check out Waltzing Matilija, although they're probably not hardy enough.
Good luck, I hope you find one or two that works for you, wherever you are.
DeleteThe signage must be fairly new. I don't remember seeing it before. But then, it's been a while...
ReplyDeleteThe Leucadendron argenteum at the UCSC Arboretum are the best/biggest I've ever seen!
In general, the timing of your visit was perfect (I know, not your choice, but still). You many cool South African beauties in bloom.
Leucospermum glabrum 'Helderfontein', that's a new one for me. So pretty!
I am lucky that the unfortunate trip coincided with a great bloom display.
DeleteI think this was my favorite biome. The leucadendrons and proteas are drool worthy.
ReplyDeleteThey are, I cannot imagine being able to grow them in my own garden.
Delete