Exotic July
Here we are in late July and a few plants in the garden are trying to convince me that I’m somewhere other than in the UK, somewhere much more exotic and far away. So I sit in contemplation and absorb their magic.
I’ve always loved passion flowers and I grow Passiflora caerulea on a trellis. The flowers are remarkable and so odd that I wonder how they are fertilised. This is quite a young plant so I hope it establishes well. I had one years ago but it got too large and I had to remove it. Does anyone in the UK grow any other varieties outside?
Another particular favourite is Strelitzia reginae, otherwise known as the Bird of Paradise. This plant is 13 years old and is moved into the greenhouse during the winter. Every time I look at it I think of a flamboyant tropical bird. The novelty has never worn off, even after all these years.
Finally there is my newest acquisition Trachelospermum jasminoides. This is a slightly tender climbing plant with wonderful fragrant white flowers. It is also evergreen with neat, glossy foliage. I’m crossing my fingers that it will survive the winter (assuming it survives the summer of course). Victoria of Victoria’s Backyard gave me some useful advice on choosing a plant so I’m hoping all will be well. I’ve given it a good talking to so I hope it paid attention!
Living in a temperate climate does mean we can grow a wide range of plants and I’m very grateful for that. It’s just that these plants make me envious of other climates. Perhaps all gardeners yearn for what they can’t have. In the meantime I’ll make do with these plants.
8 comments
Wow! I love that Bird of Paradise. I looks like it might fly away at any moment.
Beautiful tropicals!
I love your exotic blooms especially that passionflower.
Hurrah, some familiar faces. Great photos.
The Bird of Paradise is amazing! Hard to believe that you are growing it in the UK - you must feel that you are on a tropical island when you look at it.
Karen
Awesome, most beautiful flowers! great job!
The Strelitzia is magnificent. Do you keep it in the garden over the summer then? We have a couple in the house and I’ve just plonked one in the garden to see what would happen. They’re young and haven’t flowered yet and I wonder if they ever will…
Hello everyone - Thanks for your admiring comments. The Bird of Paradise is always a hit and the flowers last for quite a while which is a bonus.
HappyMouffetard - I’ve left a comment on your blog.
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