Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Flowers and Foliage Now => Topic started by: meanie on December 01, 2013, 01:27:52 PM

Title: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: meanie on December 01, 2013, 01:27:52 PM
A few things are being positively heroic here at the moment!

In the cool greenhouse Salvia discolor is back in bloom (not what you'd call blooming well, but it's trying)...................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1828.jpg)

Outdoors, Salvia "Black and Blue".......................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1830.jpg)

My Lobelia tupa have been outstanding this year and here are the last of the blooms..................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1832.jpg)

Another of the perennial Lobelia wants to keep going too.......................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1834.jpg)

Nothing too exciting I know, but it's nice to see them in December.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on December 01, 2013, 07:36:39 PM
Sternbergia lutea just keeps on flowering.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Ezeiza on December 01, 2013, 11:53:53 PM
It is quite an achievement, Keith, as S. discolor is sutropical. To take advantage of its drooping habit they grow it in tall pots.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: meanie on December 02, 2013, 08:30:11 AM
It is quite an achievement, Keith, as S. discolor is sutropical. To take advantage of its drooping habit they grow it in tall pots.

S.discolor is dead here at the slightest hint of frost Alberto! That is what makes it something of an paradox, as it will bloom from mid April right through to November despite its sub-tropical origins.

I place my pot on the upper level of the garden next to the steps to appreciate the drooping habit.

If/when the weather turn Arctic here I'll have to move it into the cool spare bedroom.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on December 02, 2013, 07:35:51 PM
Canna 'Phasion' today in the polytunnel.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: meanie on December 02, 2013, 09:59:02 PM
Canna 'Phasion' today in the polytunnel.

Out of interest do you give your Canna winter rest?
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on December 03, 2013, 10:31:24 AM
Yes, when they are ready, but they still think it is autumn!
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: fenius on December 07, 2013, 01:34:46 AM
I have something that is supposed to bloom in spring! I know stranger things have happened but still...it has a light scent, too!
reineckia carnea

Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: meanie on December 07, 2013, 06:12:57 PM
In the greenhouse (outdoors for the photos) is this unknown Crotolaria that I grew from seed.......................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1838.jpg)

Too cold/days too short for the flowers to open fully though..................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1839.jpg)
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: fermi de Sousa on December 08, 2013, 12:43:40 AM
In the greenhouse (outdoors for the photos) is this unknown Crotolaria that I grew from seed.......................
I didn't know that the were so many species till I went on-line to search! And some come from (tropical) Australia!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: meanie on December 08, 2013, 08:55:15 AM
I didn't know that the were so many species till I went on-line to search! And some come from (tropical) Australia!
cheers
fermi

Up until a few weeks ago I had no idea even what genus it was! I had been given the seed by a non-gardening friend who went to Uganda for work. She said that they were from a small tree, which could well mean a medium/large shrub in reality.

There are something like 500 species in Africa alone. On the plus side I can at least be confident that this will mature to be one of the less weedy ones.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: astragalus on December 09, 2013, 06:03:46 PM
Nothing heroic here in the way of flowers in bloom.  But with a wintry mix (snow, sleet) last night, there was lots of interest in the garden.  Unfortunately, it was so slick in the morning I had to wait a few hours for a little thaw before venturing out, so the full effect of the ice doesn't show in the pictures. 
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ranunculus on December 09, 2013, 07:31:57 PM
Ski runs for the antlered rats?   ;)
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Leena on December 10, 2013, 07:43:16 AM
Last night was -12°C, but it is going to be warmer again. :)
I took this picture yesterday.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: astragalus on December 10, 2013, 03:00:28 PM
Wonderful how nature can decorate with just a little bit of snow.  Waiting for it to happen here since it's been snowing fro a couple of hours .
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Leena on December 10, 2013, 05:25:19 PM
Wonderful how nature can decorate with just a little bit of snow.  Waiting for it to happen here since it's been snowing fro a couple of hours .

We got more snow this morning, but now it is so warm that it is melting again.  :)
I like this warm December, makes me think that spring is not so far away.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: fenius on December 12, 2013, 02:16:11 PM
Here it is practically still autumn.. This is my blueberry and an oxydendrum arboreum seedling with erica still hanging on with their brilliant pinks and reds!
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Paddy Tobin on December 12, 2013, 03:50:26 PM
Iris unguicularis have started flowering. This is I. u. 'Walter Butt'
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: meanie on December 13, 2013, 09:05:11 AM
Not much happening outdoors of merit, but I'm posting these because it is the middle of December!

I did some cuttings of Salvia "Wendys Wish" in the spring. The smaller one blooming in quite an exposed spot.................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1843.jpg)

............and the larger one in a more protected spot.....................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1844.jpg)

This triphylla Fuchsia (Korrale) has been placed by the back wall of the house but is still putting the odd flower out!
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1840b.jpg)

Eccromocarpus scaber is very exposed, yet can still manage the odd flower or two....................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1841a.jpg)

Acanthus mollis refuses to quit for the year.....................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1846.jpg)

Finally, in the greenhouse this wee Fuchsia microphylla cutting is getting in on the act...........................
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/longk48/DSC_1845.jpg)
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on December 14, 2013, 08:23:59 PM
Helleborus 'Walberton's Rosemary' today; an innovative cross between Helleborus niger and Helleborus x hybridus.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: shelagh on December 16, 2013, 04:21:47 PM
In the January edition of The Rock Garden 2011 Brian and I wrote an article about dwarf shrubs.  One of those we recommended was Berberis Kobold. We had grown 3 from seed and one was placed in the rock garden.  Here it is today on a very dull and dreary afternoon looking magnificent  in full berry.  It is now nearly 2ft tall and 2ft 6" across.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Maggi Young on December 16, 2013, 04:50:12 PM
Wow Shelagh, that looks great. The shape of the fruits do give a very seasonal  "festive decoration" look to it , don't they?
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Lvandelft on December 16, 2013, 09:58:51 PM
Shelagh, it not only looks great, but tasty as well, mmm. And not only for birds... :D
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Anne Repnow on December 20, 2013, 04:41:10 PM
How very pretty! I didn't know 'Kobold' but it now recommends itself with this profusion of berries.
Here is my most Christmassy shrub - Nandina domestica (the birds don't like the berries, so they stay on for quite a long time).
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on December 20, 2013, 06:33:20 PM
The Hellebores are starting to perform: Helleborus foetidus 'Wilgenbroek Selection', Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk', Helleborus x glandorfii.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on December 22, 2013, 08:37:20 AM
Iris unguicularis have started flowering. This is I. u. 'Walter Butt'

Very early Paddy. And one who is willing to flower ....You keep it in pot under glas ?
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Irm on December 22, 2013, 02:57:13 PM
What are your snowdrops doing ? My Galanthus monostictus "November" looks very good today, Berlin ist more warm than cold in the moment ..
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mike Ireland on December 24, 2013, 11:20:05 AM
Ventured outside this morning & found Polygala chamaebuxus in full flower, a nice surprise.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ranunculus on December 24, 2013, 11:24:13 AM
As good as any we have encountered in the mountains, Mike.
 
Best wishes to all our friends in Lincolnshire.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Mike Ireland on December 24, 2013, 11:26:12 AM
Thanks Cliff, will pass your best wishes on.

Mike
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: astragalus on December 24, 2013, 05:20:29 PM
More than a foot of snow almost gone in three ridiculous days of warmth and one day of rain. Cold again but no snow.  This can't be good for all my dryland plants.
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS  AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: meanie on December 24, 2013, 08:32:39 PM
More than a foot of snow almost gone in three ridiculous days of warmth and one day of rain. Cold again but no snow.  This can't be good for all my dryland plants.
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS  AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Well, I've just been out doing the slug and snail "run" in December - they are still fully active and taking chunks out of all sorts of things. Whilst out there I had to remove six or seven Dandelion flowers!
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on December 25, 2013, 12:56:10 PM
So - what's in flower in the open garden on Christmas Day? Not a lot!

Jasminum nudiflorum
Viburnum
Camellia 'Winter's Interlude'
Helleborus x glandorfii
Helleborus foetidus
Sternbergia lutea
Helleborus 'Walberton's Rosemary'
Helleborus x ballardiae 'Cinnamon Snow'
Helleborus x hybridus 'SP Valerie'
Galanthus elwesii 'Comet' (well, almost!)
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Maggi Young on December 25, 2013, 04:57:28 PM
Merry Christmas, Ralph!

The weather has been so wild I'm surprised there are any flowers at all  - and as for those super hellebore flowers- you are a  lucky dog! 'Cinnamon Snow' is charming - and sounds rather like a fine pudding!
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Maggi Young on December 25, 2013, 05:06:44 PM
Forumists are sharing their Christmas flowers- and others -  on the Pacific Bulb Society list... Peter T. :
http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbslist/2013-December/217rs4moava570hjuterbsde73.html# (http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbslist/2013-December/217rs4moava570hjuterbsde73.html#)

and
Rimmer is showing the summer flowers of his own Lily hybrids:
http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbslist/2013-December/iuerr99igqi9vok49e6nunfah3.html (http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbslist/2013-December/iuerr99igqi9vok49e6nunfah3.html)

Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Giles on December 28, 2013, 10:51:13 AM
3 Cherries:
Prunus incisa 'February Pink'
Prunus incisa 'Praecox'
Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis'
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Anne Repnow on December 28, 2013, 09:00:00 PM
Lonicera purpusii has started flowering. Not terribly spectacular - but what a scent!
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: plantsman50 on December 29, 2013, 05:10:27 PM
A yakushimanum hybrid which exhibits leaf indumentum and tomentum as additional attraction to the foliage. Cannot wait for the spring when the buds will burst open!

Martin
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: pehe on December 30, 2013, 02:25:47 PM
In the last week of the year there are still some flowers in my garden.

1. Colchicum decaisnei
2. C. decaisnei
3. Muscari armenaicum 'Christmas Pearl'
4. The same close up
5. Seed pod of Muscari aucheri 'Autumn Glory' which flowered August - October

Poul

Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: pehe on December 30, 2013, 02:31:44 PM
A few more

1. Crocus imperati De Jager
2. Cyclamen coum
3. The very first Eranthis hyemalis
4. Narcissus romieuxii
5. Galanthus snogerupii

Poul
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: pehe on December 30, 2013, 02:37:10 PM
And some under glass

1. Narcissus cantabricus foliosus
2. Crocus laevigatus
3. Massonia pustulata
4. Narcissus 'Cedric Morris'
5. the same close up

I wish you all a Happy New Year hoping 2014 will be a good gardening year.

Poul
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Maggi Young on December 30, 2013, 02:43:44 PM
You have a lot there to cheer you through the end of the year, Poul.   
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: astragalus on December 30, 2013, 03:14:06 PM
Really like the Hellebores pictured, especially the one called "cinnamon snow", what a charmer.  Unfortunately, many of these seem to be unavailable in the U.S.
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: fenius on January 02, 2014, 12:22:06 PM
I'm so jealous of so many blooms!
The cinnamon snow hellebore, the massonias, (from the other thread too) the galanthus, the winter flowering shrubs.... My prunus just finished dropping the last leaves, we are so slow here... Every day I kept watching the buds swell on my lonicera purpusii to finally see what it smells like and only today a first tiny flower half opened!!
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: Anne Repnow on January 02, 2014, 02:04:50 PM
Your joy will be the greater when the first blooms Show... :D
Title: Re: December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere
Post by: ruweiss on January 02, 2014, 08:49:47 PM
My best wishes for a Happy New Year to all the forumists,
The pictures are from today, Androsace hedraeantha is rather
early (or very late).

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