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vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Aristolochia littoralis on Jun 23 2015 (Last edit was on Jun 23 2015)
vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Datura metel 'Triple White' on Jun 22 2015 (Last edit was on Jun 22 2015)
vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Cestrum nocturnum on Jun 21 2015 (Last edit was on Jun 21 2015)
vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Salvia mellifera on Jun 19 2015 (Last edit was on Jun 19 2015)
vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Salvia coccinea on Jun 18 2015 (Last edit was on Jun 18 2015)
vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Ixora coccinea on Jun 18 2015
Dinu (153) wrote the following about Barleria cristata on Jun 18 2015
Dinu (153) wrote the following about Oxalis stricta on Jun 10 2015
Dinu (153) wrote the following about Tithonia rotundifolia on Jun 10 2015
Dinu (153) wrote the following about Peltophorum pterocarpum on Jun 10 2015
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This Aristolochia is native to Brazil and is a butterfly host plant for some species of Swallowtail caterpillars.
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vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Datura metel 'Triple White' on Jun 22 2015 (Last edit was on Jun 22 2015)
It is a pretty plant with dramatic flowers that last a couple of days (in USDA Zone 11, anyway). When the flowers start to fade, they become noticeably fetid. The flowers open in late afternoon releasing their fragrance. I added this plant to my garden to attract butterflies, moths, hummingbirds but in my garden the nectar lovers did not show interest. I grew the plant in a container so do not know how much it would have spread. In my experience the plant was more foul-smelling overall with some brief spurts of pleasant smelling. All parts of this plant are poisonous even in very small quantities. I discontinued growing this plant because the nectar lovers showed no interest, although i did not check the night time activity which could have been significant. In addition i have a small garden and really found the fragrance to be mostly offensive.
vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Cestrum nocturnum on Jun 21 2015 (Last edit was on Jun 21 2015)
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I added this plant to my zone 11 butterfly garden as a host for the butterflies i hope it will attract. My opinion about the plant depends on whether or not it attracts the butterflies i hope it will. It can take a year or two before butterflies discover a new host plant, but once they do, they never forget. After about 1 year the plant is going through its first night bloom and i find the fragrance enjoyable, the plant attractive, and so far pest free, but it would be more attractive with some caterpillar eaten leaves. So i wait and hope. The flowers are barely noticeable so if you are looking for some blooms with pizzazz (other than a knock out fragrance at night), this plant is not for you.
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vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Salvia mellifera on Jun 19 2015 (Last edit was on Jun 19 2015)
This Sage is highly aromatic, is a native to Mexico and California, and has been described as one of the least attractive Salvias. I have started it just this year (2015) and my plant is still quite small but the leaves have a divine fragrance. So far, it has been a relatively slow grower and i've been pinching leaves from the top to encourage bushiness. I am hoping it will survive the tropical rainy season and thrive. We'll see.
vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Salvia coccinea on Jun 18 2015 (Last edit was on Jun 18 2015)
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Fortunately, i have no hummingbird feeders per se because i live in usda zone 11 and am able to have nectar flowers year around. There are several plants that i call my "hummingbird feeders" and Salvia coccinea is definitely one of them. In addition, this easy to grow and care for Salvia adds a lot of pizzazz of brilliant red to a garden without taking up much space.
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vitrsna (498) wrote the following about Ixora coccinea on Jun 18 2015
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The 3rd and 4th images are of a plant growing in my usda zone 11 garden close to 1 year and it is growing beautifully. At 4'(1.2m) in height and spread, the plant has the potential to grow to 8'(2.4m) in height. After one year, i've experienced no insect or disease problems. The flowers newly opened are coral and within a couple of days change to red. I am delighted with this plant which is popular with butterflies and hummingbirds for nectar and a host plant for various butterflies in my area.
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Dinu (153) wrote the following about Barleria cristata on Jun 18 2015
Very attractive when in full bloom. Flowers last a day. Blooms in the rainy season. Easy to maintain. Takes pruning. Easy-care plant.
Dinu (153) wrote the following about Oxalis stricta on Jun 10 2015
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Leaves are edible and have a pleasing sour taste. The plants grow mostly as volunteers along the edges of borders or in gaps in the pavements. It has a small tap root. Though the plant branches out nicely, the parts touching the soil will not root and so this plant does not 'root and run'. It is not difficult to control if it is seen as a weed.
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Dinu (153) wrote the following about Tithonia rotundifolia on Jun 10 2015
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I had bought a packet expecting to grow the beautiful red flowers that I had grown some years ago and was missing this plant badly. When the seeds sprouted and produced buds, I was excited. But when the flower opened, it was Yellow! I was surprised. Only then I came to know, on checking the web, that there was also the yellow variety!
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Dinu (153) wrote the following about Peltophorum pterocarpum on Jun 10 2015
It is a very popular avenue tree, having being planted on roadsides. Good shade tree. The flowers are loved by squirrels and the Rose-ringed Parakeets love their seeds. In summer, when the flowers fall in profusion, it makes viewing the 'yellow carpet' a good sight.
