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Ah, June. Probably my least favorite month in Phoenix. 106 degrees today, 110 all next week. Last year, it got up to 120 degrees in June. On my thermometer outside, I remember that the red went all the way to the top and looked like it wanted to explode!
Haha, still wouldn’t trade it for humidity.
I spend every day thinking about what will grow in this type of heat. Everyone knows Vincas, of course, and sweet potato vines. But lots of plants can take the heat.
My current favorite? Portulaca. (In my head, it’s a little song, Port-u-la-CA, Port-u-la-CA.) Known as moss rose, or desert rose.
I’ve loved Portulaca for many years. Traditionally, you would have a mix, so pink flowers and yellow flowers and orange flowers – all on one plant. Lately, I’ve been using a lot of white Portulaca for borders and for spillers in certain containers. Whether it’s multi-colored or single-colored, Portulaca rarely disappoints.
So I already loved the plant, right? Then some breeders went out and made me fall in love with it all over again!!!
Look at this!
How stinkin’ adorable is that flower? White with yellow stripes. I can hardly stand it!
It’s Colorblast Lemon Twist Portulaca. I ordered some 4″ plants from Armstrong Growers. It looks like BloomIQ.com patented it (maybe?).
The tag says, “Full sun. Features: Vibrant flowers bloom on ground-hugging plants with thick, succulent foliage. Tolerates heat and dry soils. Uses: Excellent as a seasonal ground cover, in rock gardens, or in containers.”
“Grows best in full sun. Grows 4-12″ (10-30 cm) tall, space 8-10″ (20-25 cm) apart, water weekly during dry spells.”
Grows best in full sun? In Phoenix? Yes, please! I’ll take a thousand!
I planted this little cutie at work today and it made me happy for multiple reasons.
For one, I’m planting flowers in late October, because that’s life in Phoenix, Arizona. Another reason is that it’s such a cheerful flower – I love Gazanias! So cute!
Also, most importantly, Gazanias remind me of mr_subjunctive at Plants Are the Strangest People, because they are the official celebratory flower of that blog. I like thinking about mr_s, and I realized it’s been too long since I blogged myself or read other people’s blogs.
So thanks, little flower, for reminding me that it feels good to share the plant love.
From the farmers’ market, that is.
…certain plants in the garden, you should know their reproductive habits. Take Sage for example. Before you plant, you should find out how much Sage throws itself around the yard.
When I moved into this house, there was one Sage plant that a previous resident had planted. Since then, that one plant has multiplied. Quite a bit. Now that it is blooming, it’s easy to spot the babies.
Look at how many there are!
Here’s a Sage:
There’s a Sage:
Everywhere a Sage, Sage:
I voted to pull them, my landlady voted to keep them. And so, this is one large family of Sage.
I guess I should be grateful it’s not Chamisa.
Do you have plants in your garden that are as prolific as my Sage? If you feel like sharing your experiences, please do so in the comments section.
Starting tomorrow, I’ll be taking a break from the blog as I’m going to be traveling. I’ve taken some random photos around Albuquerque and I’ve scheduled to post one per day while I’m gone. Another blogcation. Feel free to comment on the photos – I’ll still be connected while I’m away from the Duke City. I’ll catch you on the flipside!
Because it’s so cute!
I can’t believe this plant – it’s been blooming pretty much nonstop for six months now!
Every time I think it’s finally done, I find more buds forming. It’s crazy.
Um, hey there plants, it seems you’ve got a little something on your leaves.
I thought we’d be having our Ask the Experts Panel today for your entertainment, but it hasn’t worked out that way. I believe some of the Experts are travelin’ fools at the moment. Who am I to compete against the Grand Canyon for their attention? Haha, no way I’m winning that battle!
So instead, we’ll do a pretty flowers photo:
Good To Grow 