Blogging in Myrtle Glen

Ask me what my favorite vine is, and without hesitation I will say Petrea volubilis

This vine is great for Central Florida, non aggressive, butterfly friendly and its flowers display an uncommon and most beautiful shade of blue.

It is listed as Semi-deciduous and it weathers the cold seasons just fine. During our last cold winter it dropped its leaves, but as soon as it warmed up they sprouted again quickly.

The major bloom time is in Spring, but compared to the Wisteria blooming just once a year, the Petrea repeats flowering all through the warm season. The flowers resemble tiny orchids and are very attractive in a grape cluster with light lavender colored star-shaped petals and an amethyst colored center. 

This plant has average water needs and does not mind our clay rich soil. Once established it tolerates drought. It prefers at least 6 hours of sun per day. It can be kept at a small size, but if allowed it will grow to 30 ft. A strong support is recommended for this woody climber.

Why the name Sandpaper vine? The leaves are stiff like cardboard and rough like sandpaper

“One of the most delightful things about a garden is

the anticipation it provides.”

[W.E. Johns]

Orchid Vanda terete ‘Miss Joachim’ stretches its flowers high up into a Crepe Myrtle

Ah, what a Beauty she is! I discovered her at the local boxstore and couldn’t resist taking her home despite the $20 price tag….

Pink, white, blue, yellow and a touch of orange …. Nature gets away with all kinds of color combinations, but the real treat I got the next morning seeing the new daily flowers of the Creole Lady

Her blooms open up a hot pink with deep purple in the center

I must say I am not very good at keeping Tropical Hibiscus alive. They love lots of fertilizer, want to be regularly watered and start sulking when the temperatures drop below 50 F.  I’d say they fall into the category of ’High Maintenance’. So, I keep them as ‘annuals’