WHAT'S LOOKING EXOTIC IN 2015

I used to grow Cobea some years ago @shiney .
I never managed to get viable seed.

If the pods are very dry and crispy you might be ok.
Try to germinate a couple of seed on the window sill or a propagator, it will give an indication of whether they are worth sowing next spring.

 

Yep, have my doubts that they are fully ripe, you might end up with something that looks like seeds but I'm thinking they won't be viable.

 

First bloom of the season on Canarina canariensis...................


They are much larger than the spring blooms (which was the first time that it had bloomed) and I'm rather pleased as it was a little underwhelming in the spring.

 

Lovely LongK. Mine has done nothing so far, though it seems to be growing OK.

They are such lovely, almost wax like plants - flowers and foliage.

 

How cool are you growing yours? Up to a point it's the cooler the better I think.

Totally agree. Well worth the effort in my opinion.

 

First bloom of the winter on Brugmansia sanguinea.................

 

The double flowers on the variegated Oleander are stunning but better still, something I have never been aware of before, is the scent, a strong Vanilla like perfume.

 

Thats a nice plant @strongylodon, I always think they smell of almonds but my nose it not that good.
Regarding hardiness, which I think we have hit on before, my plant, a single white, is pretty much had it after a couple of minus 5s during the winter, but I know of some plants close by that are totally untouched.
Really need to knock on the door and ask for some cuttings.

 

I have lost my salmon pink one to two -7cs but the other pink one and the Ensete Maurelii a couple of feet away survived.
I will move both variegated ones outside in late May.

 

My Calliandra surimaniensis (Pink Powder Puff) which produced one flower last autumn is now covered in buds with the first flower opening today, it will probably be in full flower while I am on holiday in the next two weeks!!!




The dwarf Oleander (a cutting from Cyprus years ago) is in full flower.

 

That Calliandra is stunning Strongy.

 

It is but as with most of the family, it's flowers are short lived and in warmer climes where it is hardy, it is regarded as a nuisance as it's flowers are sticky and can make a mess on cars.