Thanks again, everyone, it's "trick" photography, really, there are vast wastelands of yuck punctuated with these last few summer stragglers. Jan, I originally grew the Gloriosas in south Florida, they should be very happy in your zone. In fact, it's the national flower of Zimbabwe, so "bring on the heat". I could probably get by leaving the tubers in the ground here most years, but we occasionally have a zone 7 winter, so I just find it easiest to grow them in large pots, which makes it easier for me to control the bloom succession, and also to cull the tubers and save them for the next year. The plants are nothing to write home about, which may be why they are not grown more commonly. They grow to about 6 feet tall and are sort of spindly looking, really. You need to provide support, a light trellis, or something like a tall tomato cage will do, I had hubby make me a couple of copper tuteurs. So I guess they are sort of a pain, but I think those improbable looking flowers are well worth it. I'm an old plant nerd from wayyyy back (the operative word being old).
Just found your post Zuzu. Lovely pic's. I cant pick my favorite one, love them all. I have a shrimp plant but its done tell next year. U should be very proud of your beautiful garden.
