Among dry and faded late-summer landscapes, these vibrant plants are full of life
In the heating system of August , while a lot of industrial plant are past their seasonal prime of life , there are some that are just get their groove on . This is one of the things that makes gardening so sweet ; the right way around the corner something exciting is always about to befall . Here are some of the best plants that are full of life in the heat energy of summertime .
Belladonna lily
Amaryllis belladonna , zona 7–10
I think for most of us , bulbs furnish some of the greatest surprises in the garden . This is probably because of their long periods of absence hide underground ; their outgrowth triggers a reaction of , “ Oh ! There you are ! ” Native to South Africa , belladonna lily , also know as defenseless noblewoman , is quite easy to arise in our climate . It is not particular about soil or moisture experimental condition and will show up looking gorgeous and unaffected in the heat of August after a lot of other plants are past their seasonal prime of life . It is quite common to see it flowering all up and down the California seacoast , both inside and outside of garden . It shows up sans leaves , hence the “ raw ” appellation . If you have a large clod of them , right after flowering is a effective meter to separate them up .
‘Blue Wonder’ toad lily
Tricyrtis hirta‘Blue Wonder ’ , zone 5–9
Another so - call lily that get it on to surprise us in August is toad lily . Native to shaded rocky cliffs and flow banks in Japan , this little jewel flourish in umbrageous blot in our California gardens . It is not always so comfortable to get coloring from efflorescence in a shade garden , so ‘ Blue Wonder ’ is a treat . you may engraft it in either leap or fall . Although all reports say it is substantially grown in Zones 5–9 , I have it grow happily in my Zone 10 garden , so I would encourage you to stress it if you are look to summate some radiancy to a umbrageous spot .
Hooker’s orchid cactus
Epiphyllum hookeri , zone 9b–11
I have various kind ofEpiphyllumin my garden . Some blossom in the give . Some flower for just one night , while others last a few day . Some are brilliantly colour in . While this particular one blooms repeatedly with a sequence of prime during summer nights , each individual flower only lasts one dark and withers and pop off with the morning light . These attractively creamy - and - white blooms are a reason to get outside in the garden as ahead of time as you may . This cactus may bloom inconveniently for us , but the agenda is quite convenient for its pollinators , which are nocturnal creatures — moth and at-bat . The base of the cactus can get as longsighted as 6 feet . Usually they arch downward , but I ’ve had theme that grew straight up , through a canopy of bougainvillea ( Bougainvilleacv . , Zones 9–11 ) , and popped out on the other side !
Red frangipani
Plumeria rubra , Zones 10–12
Frangipani are native to Mexico , the Caribbean , and South America . Despite that , I always associate them with Hawaii because they are one of the most popular peak for making leis . I have two red frangiani trees in my garden , and both of them were grow from cutting , which was pretty dim-witted to do . Frangipani can put up any territory character but choose well - drained soil . They prefer full sun and should be face up south . In the tropics , they can develop to 20 feet tall , but the large one I have get word in LA was 12 feet tall . Most people put them in container , where they are kept much smaller . Frangipani is in general a low-down piddle - use of goods and services flora , but it does like some extra weewee in summertime — less in wintertime . Once it starts blooming here , it will continue percipient into December . The scent is lovely , peculiarly in the eventide when it seeks to attract its pollinators .
‘Ruby Slippers’ echeveria
Echeveria harmsii‘Ruby Slippers ’ , Zones 9b–11
This is belike my favorite small succulent . In certain lights , the fuzzy , strikingly colored leaf take on a glow that is mesmerizing . ‘ Ruby Slippers ’ echeveria can grow to 12 inch tall and wide and , like other succulent , is easy disseminate . However , I feel it to be rather slow growing , so I am a bite stingy in parting with any cuttings . This echeveria ’s prime are brilliant orangish . usually I favor blues and purples in my garden , but this plant is definitely one I make an exception for .
— Francesca Corra , APLD , is a nationally certified landscape designer and owner of Dirt Diva Designs in Studio City , California .
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Bright pink-and-white flowers of belladonna lilies appear before foliage, giving them the nickname of “naked ladies.”Photo: Francesca Corra
‘Blue Wonder’ toad lily has small flowers that stand out with dappled purple spots on white petals.Photo: Francesca Corra
Each flower of Hooker’s orchid cactus is a one-night wonder, so be sure to go out into the garden to enjoy them while you can.Photo: Francesca Corra
Red frangipani flowers have a lovely mix of yellow, orange, red, and pink colors. The blending of these hues makes petals look like they have been painted with watercolors.Photo: Francesca Corra
The fuzzy, multicolored foliage of ‘Ruby Slippers’ echeveria is striking year-round, but set against its orange flowers, it’s a special sight.Photo: Francesca Corra
