Some Have Spots and Some Don't

There are a few perennials in the garden that cause me to wonder how my garden lived so long without them.

Belamcanda chinensis is one of those just-plain-fun plants that was passed along to me by a neighbor initially. Soon after, two other gardening friends increased my supply of these plants with divisions from their gardens. And I am forever grateful to all three friends!

Leopard lily is one of the common names associated with the variety that sports dark spots on its petals. They remind me of freckles. Cute, sun-kissed spots in summertime.

The ones without spots are equally appreciated. They have all the same characteristics except for the deep coral color and the silky smooth petals absent of any freckles.

Candy lily is also a common name for these lily-like flowers that are in actuality a member of the Iris family. I'm not positive about this but I think spotless varieties are considered Candy lily. Does anyone know for certain?

Its foliage reaches a full four feet tall in my garden towering over caladiums and agapanthus foliage. In winter it will shrink back a bit but never fully disappears. In spring it perks up quickly, multiplies, and tolerates dry spells. In summer it blooms continually.

The clusters of flowers seem to dance in thin air above the distinctly fanned out foliage. Mine are planted in partial sun with a second patch in very filtered light.

Opening mid-morning and lasting for only the length of a day, each flower twists its way into this unique formation as it fades. I adore every beautiful phase of this fun, summer perennial.
Perhaps the most common name associated with this great plant is Blackberry Lily. In Autumn, seed pods burst open to reveal glossy black seeds that resemble blackberries.

Surprisingly, you don't find these plants in Florida garden centers. They are propogated by division of rhizomes and by seed. Finding a passalong is your best opportunity for obtaining this summer perennial beauty for your Florida garden.

Meanwhile... What's a Little Heat in Florida!

Taking a little trip to Western New York is a nice break from Florida in July.
Coming home to the garden it only takes moments for reality to set in.

It's July and we are at the height of our hot and humid season.

Still, the garden calls. We mustn't be wimpy about our weather. There is much to do in the summer garden.

Warm colors of the Belamcanda Chinensis dot the midsummer landscape. These sweet additions are a first for me this year. Love the unique twist of the buds after they bloom.

Three separate gardening friends recently passed along this widely popular species. Sited before they flowered in dappled light they are now all cheerily blooming at the same time.

Sometimes called Blackberry Lily...

or Leopard Lily...

or Candy Lily... they can sport fancy dark freckles or ... none at all as in the previous photos. I'm a fan of their upright grass-like foliage just as much as these delicate, small blooms. Each one only lasting only for a day.

Even the bees get thirsty in summertime. Add a rock or pile several of the smaller flat ones to your birdbath. You might be surprised at the tiny critters that visit for a drink.

Mr. Meems deserves extra hugs and thanks for keeping the container plants irrigated while I was away.

Not one drop of rain came down to offer him a rest from dragging hoses to numerous pots throughout the garden. All plantlife was chipper and happy even in my absence.

Only a few Agapanthus orientalis, African lily or Lily of the Nile remain in bloom at this juncture of summer. But they've been offering outstanding ornamental features since May.

We are happy to have any blooming this late and I'm pretty sure the butterflies join us in our thankfulness.

The brightly hued red Pentas lanceolata are another year round Florida-Friendly favorite.

The butterflies just can't resist them. Somehow I seem to like red as much as the pretty fluttering swallowtails. For those reasons we've sited them in several places throughout the garden.

Side note for Florida gardeners: Pentas is one of those plants that easily roots from cuttings. Just keep cuttings moist in some good soil until roots are formed. This is a good time to take cuttings. Keep them in a partially shady spot while they get established.

Caladiums are becoming the stars of summer once again. The shady areas are packed with the variety White Queen. The center red vein is a stand out against the white leaf and shows up nicely against all the foundational green foliage.
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There's much more to see of Buffalo. I'll get back to sharing those photos as soon as regular life permits. It's summertime and the grandkiddos get first priority while they are out of school and we have some extra hours with them.

Happy summer gardening! Meems