Versatile Vines

Vines are underutilized in many landscapes, even though they can be used in many ways. I am using vines in my yard to beautify a fence, cover a trellis or arbor, attract wildlife, provide color, and to hide bad views.

One of my favorite vines is called evergreen wisteria (Millettia reticulata). This vine is currently in full bloom and has been flowering on and off all summer. The beautiful flowers are also wonderfully fragrant. This was the second year in the ground and the plant is thriving. It grows best in full sun locations in zones 7-10.

Northwest Travels

This summer has allowed me to do quite a bit of traveling and in July I was able to travel to Montana and the Canadian Rockies. This was an amazing trip and the scenery was incredible. One of the things I really enjoyed was all the wild flowers that were blooming. Some I have been able to identify and others I could use some help with. Enjoy these photos and let me know if you can help me identify any of them.

Indian Paintbrush - Castilleja spp.

Maple -- Acer spp.

Western Anemone -- Pulsatilla occidentalis

Rose -- Rosa spp.

Unknown 1

Unknown 2

Amarcrinum
X Amarcrinum memoria-corsii

This is one of my favorite plants in my garden and I had to share a little information about with you. Amarcrinum is the result of a bi-generic cross between Amaryllis belladonna and Crinum moorei. I purchased my bulb from a local garden center five years ago and waited for two years before I was finally rewarded with the spectacular lightly fragrant funnel shaped flowers. This is the third year in a row that my plant located in Gainesville, Florida (USDA hardiness zone 8b) has flowered and is now on its third flower stalk of the season.

My plant is located in a partly sunny location in very sandy soil. The leaves are approximately two inches wide and two feet long. My plant goes dormant every year. I give it very little care other than water and am graced with these flowers each summer. Most publications recommend this plant for zones 7-10. Try this underutilized bulb in your landscape.