Iochroma ‘Royal Queen Purple’ has fully lived up to expectations — and then some.
She has been a spectacular non-stop blooming machine for over four months with no end in sight. As soon as one flower cluster fades, another takes its place, to the delight of hummingbirds and bees.
Planted in a large container, the Queen achieved five feet by six feet and was fertilized only once, not monthly as was suggested. And she receives filtered afternoon sun, not full sun all day. She may be royal, but she doesn’t require pampering.
Downside? Her stems were so heavily laden with royal-purple blossoms, they did need a bit of support. That’s about it. And I suspect that if she were grown in the ground, even that would not be required.
For me, an unqualified success.
copyright 2012 – Lois Sheinfeld
copyright 2012 – Lois Sheinfeld
copyright 2012 – Lois Sheinfeld
copyright 2012 – Lois Sheinfeld
Clerodendrum trichotomum has just begun to reveal its Autumn splendor. When the pink calyxes open, the pea-sized fruit inside has a greenish hue before turning a rich, metallic cerulean blue. A sight to behold.
Here in zone 7, the promise of fragrant flowers and blue fruit at the same time was not to be. ( See “August 2012: Clerodendrum,Hydrangea,Phygelius”). No problem. In fact I prefer it this way, appreciating each superb feature in its turn. Too much of a good thing the other way, don’t you think?
Sited in shade with a bit of filtered sun, C. trichotomum flourishes in my organic garden in acid, well-drained soil.
copyright 2012 – Lois Sheinfeld
copyright 2012 – Lois Sheinfeld
Both plants add to the garden’s Autumn magic.
Addendum: Photo update of Clerodendrum a few weeks later:
copyright 2012 – Lois Sheinfeld