Annual vines are easy to grow and well-behaved, and most have intriguing blooms that last all summer. My current favourite is Spanish flag vine (Ipomoea lobata), a.k.a. firecracker vine. Small, tubular red and gold blooms are lined up in a row along short, wiry stems that arch out from the main stems. The effect is reminiscent of fringe or tiny flags, fluttering in a breeze. … [Read more...] about A salute to annual Spanish flag vine
vines
Plants struggling with the heat
It’s hot as Hades (again!), and I frequently need to remind myself that this is early July, not August. Plants are struggling to stand in the heat and wind — or perhaps I could say that I’m the one struggling to keep them going. Strong sunlight has made beds by the front walkway inhospitable for plants like Durand’s clematis (Clematis x durandii, Zone 6) that bleaches to … [Read more...] about Plants struggling with the heat
Moonflowers from seed
Some years ago I found pots of moonflowers (Ipomoea alba, syn. Calonyction aculeatum) started in a nursery. These are a species in the morning glory genus, and you can see the resemblance in their large, pure white trumpet flowers, twining vines and heart-shape foliage. Moonflowers are distinguished by their night-blooming schedule (opening in late afternoon), and an … [Read more...] about Moonflowers from seed
