Wild flower or Weed?

Found this growing on the steps to the beach at Sand Banks last Sunday any one know what this pretty little thing is?

 

Sorry rosietu,I don't either. I brought some back from Cornwall and have been looking for info too.
Thought it would make a nice infill in my waterfall rocks.

 

I expect some one will know, we have a very knowledgeable lot of folk on here.. Do you think it is perculiar to the South West as I havn't seen it any where else.

 

Reckon it is...as are the ones in my May comp' picture....Thought they were Garlic and decided not to bring any home,then saw they were quite different! :rolleyes:

 

Mmmm - interesting. That looks very like something that appeared in my drive and front bit - same leaf and style, but my flowers are slightly darker pink. Stems are a reddy colour too as I recall. I too will be interested in seeing what it is.

If you want some Paladin - I'm sure I can uproot a bit and post.

 

Always on the lookout for more plants Fran
Don't mind if no ID....We can always ask in here can't we? :D

 

I have got something that looks like this in my garden but it was here before me...not sure what it is ..i suppose it fills a space!!

 

It is ivy-leaved toadflax. It is fascinating because the growing tips seek the dark and not the light. They push into crevices and take root. It will only grow on vertical walls etc and will never become a problem. Enjoy!

 

It is not an ivy of course. Here is a closer look at the flowers

 

Hormbeam got it right in one! Ivy leaved toadflax, (Cymbalaria muralis) Very pretty little 'weed' that I always leave alone. It will cling to vertical walls and makes a lovely little tumbling display. The flowers face outwards for the sun and pollination but when fertilsed and ripening the seed pods turn in towards the wall and almost seem to seek out and bury themselves in the smallest gap or cranny.

I've never seen it growing but there is a white form as well as the common purple one.

Edit: It's quite common up here so I think its distribution is pretty widespread. Probably lime loving as it thrives in old walls and mortar. Would really suit a dry sunny rockery.

[ 21. May 2006, 11:57 AM: Message edited by: frogesque ]

 

We had loads of it in Cambs and it's here as well. I'm always transplanting bits trying to get it to grow in my garden but haven't got it to take yet, although I've got lots of old stone and brick.

It's a truly beautiful little plant, both leaves and flowers; if it were introduced as a new rockplant then I'm sure everyone would rave!

 

Having looked at Hornbeam's picture, not sure this is the same Paladin - but will go see if I can find some to send you. As you were - it is the same so hopefully will get some in the post to you this week.

I think I have your address, but just in case, PM it to me please.

[ 21. May 2006, 02:09 PM: Message edited by: Fran ]

 

I have something that looks like the first picture but not the second - not appearing just yet though - it will!