Another major fall bloomer is the Philippine violet. This is a plant that dies down to the ground during winter, but just look how much growth it puts on before blooming in late October. It seems to have no pests and the leaves stay green all summer. If you see one at the nursery, snap it up. You won't regret having such a beauty in the garden.
This is my first year to grow Salvia madrensis. I bought a 4" pot in the spring. It has grown quietly in a shady corner under the Lady Banks' rose, biding its time, until finally the flower racemes began to color and open. It may be root hardy but if not I am happy to grow it as an annual.
Celosia spicata, bristly pink plumes. It is hard to imagine what a hummingbird would find in one of these flowers, but they find something.
The fragrant mistflower, Eupatorium
Fall obedient plant, Physostegia virginiata, on cue.
Frost weed, Verbesina viginica. This one is in the border behind the pool. There are none outside the walls this year due to drought.
Mexican mint marigold, Tagetes lucida.
I only just identified this plant last evening. It is Exotic Love vine, Firecracker vine, Mina lobata. The single vine was growing in among the Cardinal vine. The leaves were completely different and I just thought it was some kind of morning glory that wasn't producing flowers. Imagine my surprise, today, when I noticed some flower racemes. The seed must have been mixed in with the Cardinal Vine seeds I received from gardening friend, Meredith at Great Stems. I hope to save some for next year as both these vines seem to be the answer to a trellis in a difficult spot.
Scutellaria wrightii with Erigeron annus.
The calamondin orange moved from its corner in the vegetable garden so that we can enjoy its fruits.
Some plants never stop. Gaillardia pulchella is one. A non-stop bloomer year round.
Zinnia seeds planted in late August make a show in a pot.
The yellow knockout rose with its faint lemony fragrance. Who would knock a knockout. Not I.
