Thursday, January 14, 2016

MY FAVOURITE GARDEN FLOWERS

When I came to the letter "T" I was a little stumped.  The only two I can think of *(I am sure there must be others) that I would choose to grow if I could would be:

TULIP:  This is an Eurasian and North African genus of perennial, bulhous plants in the lily family.  It is an herbaceous herb with showy flowers, of which around 75 wild species are accepted.


Whenever I think of tulips I connect them with the Netherlands, and also our Araleun Botanic Park right here in Perth where they have a tulip festival every year. Years ago we went to Araluen and the gardens of different coloured tulips was beautiful.  Would love to go again one day (perhaps).


I have never attempted to grow them nor am every likely to do so.   I feel there may be one of our number who does or has grown them at one time.  Would be interested to know if that is a fact.

The other "T" flower which I love but have never attempted to grow is the:

TUBEROSE .... Polianthes tuberosa...This is a perennial plant related to the agaves, extracts of which are used as a note in perfumery.  The common name derives from the Latin tuberosa, meaning swollen or tuberous in reference to its root system.


I was amazed that they are related to the agaves!!  I had a very limited knowledge of tuberose so I have just been reading up about them and find they are not very difficult to grow.  Apparently they prefer a temperature above 15º (not sure if that is celcius or farenheit) so I may be tempted to try a couple in pots.  I believe they are/were popular for use in bridal bouquets.  They are certainly very beautiful.


I truly can't think of another "T" flower that I have knowledge of.  What is your favourite "T" garden flower?  Once again I am pondering if one of our friends has grown tuberose.  I am guessing it is highly possible.




9 comments:

  1. Tuberoses! I've seen a few around Adelaide in pots and old cottage gardens and didn't know what they were. They're certainly beautiful. Now I know what they are I may try a few in pots myself.

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    1. I am going to endeavour to find a nursery that sells the tuberose. They seem to enjoy full sun but I wonder if our Perth sun would be too hot in summer. Worth a try though as they are so beautiful.

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    2. Put them in pots or garden on the South side of your home, that way they will be shaded from the extreme afternoon heat at least.

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  2. I have some tuberoses in a pot on my front veranda at the moment. Plenty of leaf, but no sign of a flower yet.
    And, as you know, I am very fond of tulips and grow them every year.

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    1. I knew you grew tulips and it doesn't surprise me one bit that you also have tuberose growing too. Hopefully they will reward you with flowers very soon.

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  3. Hari Om
    Tulips are a perrenial fave for sure! I like things like Tansy and Tillandsia and, I guess for Australia, the Telopea... YAM xx

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    1. I had to look up tansy and tillandsia as they were foreign to me and of course the waratah is native to NSW so we never see them here in WA. Over here the floral emblem is the kangaroo paw. xx

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  4. These are beautiful Mimsie. Keep cool over there. Sending hugs. B

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    1. Thanks Button and glad you enjoyed the flowers. Doing our best to keep cool as today and tomorrow quite hot (about 100ºF)

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