Fatsia Finally Flourishing

| Flower Roberts

This Fatsia has been babied a bit too much. I am bad about trusting myself in letting my plants to thrive on their own.

This shrub has been lollygagging in this spot for two seasons. I was doubting whether I had made a proper choice of placement until now.

The ‘Spider’s Web’ Fatsia has finally sent up a proper plume of new growth. The various patterns on the new leaves has reminded me why I gave it such a place of honor in my yard.

I am fascinated by variation in variegation patterns. These leaves are prime examples of this.

It has just earned its spot by the steps.

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The Purloined Poncirus

| Flower Roberts

I must confess to stealing a fruit from a Chinese Bitter Orange tree on a South Carolina plantation many years ago. I need to bare my soul of picking the little citrus and stuffing it into my bra.
I forgot about this stolen cargo until late that night, as I was changing my clothes the shriveled little fruit fell out and rolled across the floor.

Why I felt the need to steal seeds from such a mean little tree is beyond me. I think I was impressed by its long, sharp thorns.


Now I have two mean trees of my own. With equally long and strong thorns.

No fruit yet.
Such is the life of a plant addict. A pinch here…a pick there…

Stashing precious cargo in pockets and undergarments.

Such are the crimes of the afflicted.

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Little Much Rescued

| Flower Roberts

I thought I had lost this lovely, bearded iris, Little Much. It was in with some bullies and could not thrive enough to bloom. When the group was divided, Little Much had room to bloom and reappeared.

I love this delicate flower with a bit of shimmering glow.

It has its own tier in the plant nursery. It will stay there until it needs dividing.

Some plants are worth the pampering. ‘Little Much’ is one of those.

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Thunder Echo Again

| Flower Roberts

The unusual bloom of ‘Thunder Echo’ seems to change colors as the day goes by.

Thunder Echo bearded iris

Here it is in the afternoon sunshine. It is almost glowing.

This one does spread better than some, but is still separated from the bully iris.

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Tiny Treasure with Stripes

| Flower Roberts

This little jewel, Ledebouria cooperi, is a tiny bulb with one leaf and an inflorescence of dusty plum blooms.

Its common name is ‘Jessop.’  It may also be called “Cooper’s False Squill.”

Each plant is smaller than a pinky finger. It lives in tight groups.

I am attaching a former blog, ‘Itty Bitty Jessop’ about this plant below, since I did not wish to dig up bulbs in the rain in my pajamas.

https://floweralley.org/?s=Itty+bitty+Jessop

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Thunder Echo During Storms

| Flower Roberts

One of my most unusual bearded iris opened on this dark and rainy morning when storms are expected.

Persian Berry bearded iris

It looks very different in sunshine, but is distinguished in any light.

This is one of my slow growers that must be kept separate from the prolific spreaders like ‘Persian Berry’ from my previous post.

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Dainty Columbines

| Flower Roberts

These gorgeous plants move and mix to supply surprises each spring. Their tiny, black seeds drop as the pods dry.

I have purchased many varieties over the years. The separated ones stay true to color, but the grouped varieties make new color combinations. This habit provides amazing new hues.

The white beside the lower pond has stayed white for years. This looks lovely beside the variegated Solomon’s Seal.

Most of mine are variations of pink and purples. I do have a late bloomer, double, ‘Ruby Port’, that I have kept in isolation. I will share it when it blooms.

I may have lost my tiny favorite , ‘Little Lantern’, which had gorgeous red blooms. I hope it will return.

With Columbines, one never is sure which colors will appear in the spring. That is part of the fun.

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