Pinecone Ginger, Zingiber zerumbet, has been blooming in interesting pinecone shapes. The cones have really been turning red this month but there are still some green ones just coming up. They not only look pretty but they smell good too.
This September bloomer is Justicia brandegeana 'Fruit Cocktail'. Curiously, the red shrimp plant in the same location hasn't begun to bloom.
Blooming off and on all summer, the Tecoma stans 'Orange Jubilee' is really pushing out the flowers this month. This sprawling vinelike bush is supposed to be hardy through our central Florida winters. An added bonus is watching the hummingbirds enjoy its nectar.
My favorite of the favorites for this month is the white butterfly ginger, Hedychium coronarium. The white flowers bob and weave on the breezes looking just like butterflies. Their brightness lights up the dark corner and provides a delicious scent that travels throughout the garden.
Don't forget to stop by Simply Susan and share your September favorites from your garden.
Oh my goodness I have a small case of jealousy going on here, with what you have growing in your wonderful gardens, and your header picture is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this great picture post. It inspires me.
FlowerLady
Do you know, I don't have a single one of those plants you feature today?!! Actually, I did have pine cone ginger in my very first Florida garden, a couple decades ago. I need to find some more, but I know they're only obtained via the passalong route. I've never seen one in a nursery. Anyway, love that Tecoma 'Orange Jubilee'! And the buttefly ginger! Those are two I must add.
ReplyDeleteKay, Your garden looks great! I think I enjoy the Fall garden the best, and I am very jealous of your Hummer. Janis
ReplyDeleteHi Kay...Your pinecone ginger is very unique looking. Is it aggressive in spreading? I love the Orange Jubilee, and can see why the hummers would be attracted to it. It's a real beauty. The butterfly ginger is a flower I'm always attracted to...very pretty and scented, too if I recall. Is is aggressive in spreading, too?
ReplyDeleteKay,
ReplyDeleteYour pinecone gingers are beautiful. They are more pointed on the tops than mine. I'm wondering if it is a different variety. My foliage is variegated not the plain green... I wonder if that is it?
I'm with you... the butterfly gingers are so great right now. I'm glad I added them in two places (when I wasn't sure what they needed exactly). Your blooms are all really lovely!
We are suppose to lose the humidity again in the next couple of days... that will be nice!
FlowerLady - I'm glad you have enjoyed seeing what I have as favorites for September. With the little bit of cooler temperatures it is so nice to enjoy being in the garden.
ReplyDeleteFloridagirl - Yes, the pinecone ginger was a gift from a friend's garden. So much of my garden is from other's pass-alongs. I love it and always marvel that it comes through with blooms each year. Just like all the gingers, it disappears over winter and then it suddenly appears again.
Janis - You know, just the other day I was thinking that September through November must be the best time in my garden. Looking at pictures from earlier in the year shows so many bare spots that are now full of plants which have just come into their own.
Susan - My pinecone and butterfly gingers do spread but I would like for them to be a little MORE aggressive. I could use more clumps here and there and then too, I love to share them.
The 'Orange Jubilee' likes sun and is new to me this year. So far, it's a winner. I'm hoping for it to do well through winter as I was told it would.
Meems - I've noticed your variegated pinecone gingers for their leaves, didn't notice the pinecone difference. I love all the gingers but need to plant something with them so that when they go dormant I'm not left with so much blank space. Actually, that's a problem with my whole shady corner area. Hmmm...I'll have to give that more thought.