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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

WALL PLANTERS

Much as I would love to have some of those gorgeous window boxes I see in magazines, this is Texas. Wall planters and hanging baskets can dry up in seconds.


Last year I found the answer to what to plant here on this east facing wall. A. desmettiana 'variegata' and a trailing Mexican portulaca. It is the perfect spot for the agave which prefers some shade during the afternoon. Still the planter dries out very quickly and still requires some vigilance about watering.


I still would love to have an id on this plant. I have had it for several years, wintering over in the greenhouse. It has a very narrow leaf much smaller than any other portulaca. I only recall that when I bought it at BSN the word 'Mexican' was in the name. It is not like the ones sold at the nurseries by virtue of the leaf structure. Must be some kind of sport. It is so easy to root from cuttings just placed in the soil and very undemanding.


My second success is at the front gate. The cone shaped planter is planted with Huernia schneideriana.
No sun reaches the gate and that is just how the plant likes it.


The stems bear small purple burgundy flowers, usually in clusters. Another easily rooted plant. I have mentioned more than once that I am searching for a reasonably priced head pot. This plant would make a perfect medusa.


19 comments:

  1. I just bought a cone shaped basket at Goodwill to use as a planter. I have several of the huernias and they would look great in it! Thanks for the idea and inspiration to get out and garden!

    Your garden is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing it.

    ella
    spicewood

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  2. I love your wall planters!!!! I especially love the Huernia schneideriana, how cool is that!!?? I would love to do that somewhere around here....man...gotta find a place. So full shade???? I would have never guessed that a cactus plant likes full shade!!!

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    1. When I say shade, that is the conditions for this particular plant. It will take some sun but not strong sun. If given too much sun it becomes very pale.

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  3. I grew the Huernia when I lived in Mexico and loved it. I never see it for sale here. You're right; it's perfect "hair" for a head pot ... the ultimate in dread locks!

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    1. I can't even remember where I found it but I have shared it quite a lot of it. I recently sent some to Ohio!

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  4. Wish I could help you on the id of that plant.....
    Your garden is looking so good. Love the planters.

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    1. Thanks Sue. No matter. I am planning to keep this plant going whatever.

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  5. Such great ideas, the Huernia is perfect for hanging baskets.

    I'm switching my hanging baskets over to more xeric plants after having to water constantly last summer.

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    1. Yes. It is just a dream to have those Northern hanging baskets.

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  6. I like the Huernia--I have a similar hanging planter and would like something like that. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  7. The wall planters are wonderful. I love the Huernia As to your comment that you have been searching for a reasonably priced head pot, I have two suggestions:

    I bought a lovely hanging head wall pot at Breed and Company off of Bee Caves Road 8-9 years ago. She looks very 1920's. You might check with them. Also, I too wanted a head pot but they were too expensive so I made my own out of concrete. It wasn't that hard, but of course if you are looking for perfection or aren't artistic, this may not be for you. The armature I used for my head pot was hardware cloth. Laura

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    1. I have been planning to have a go at making one myself. I took photos of one that I thought I could copy easily. Do you have a photo of yours because I would love to see it. My email address is up at the top if you would be kind enough to photograph it.

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  8. Thank you Ruth. It is great to have finally found the right plant for the right place.

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  9. I had a couple of window wire boxes that I used to put annuals in. Notice I sais used too. Too much effort.

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  10. The Huernia schneideriana is so cool!!!! Reminds me of a green octopus yet so elegant! Wish those would grow here in Massachusetts!

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  11. If I find a huernia at this summer's cactus shows, it's mine!

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  12. For such a hot, dry climate, you have some gorgeous plants...I've never seen the Huernia schneideriana and I love it.

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