Crepe Myrtle Time in Central Florida

Lagerstroemia, commonly known as crepe myrtle, is a genus of around 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs native to the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of Oceania, cultivated in warmer climates around the world. It is very popular here in the southeastern USA in growing zones 6 to 10.

Spring is one of my favorite times of year here in central Florida with flowering trees, bushes, and amaryllis. When summer comes, I always look forward to the crepe myrtle trees flowering. I see them everywhere as they are very popular. The second year I was living in my home, an old dying tree in the front yard was leaning toward my neighbor’s home. I had it cut down. The next year I planted a small crepe myrtle tree with hot pink blossoms in the old tree’s spot in the front yard. Several days ago I took photos to share. It’s crepe myrtle time!

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My End of April Flowers

I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. The red amaryllis you buy at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.

Since I am not supposed to drive (think lack of range of motion with a neck brace!) I don’t exactly see lots of things to photograph. Most of the time I do not have the energy. Walking in an uneven place like my yard isn’t really too smart either with my current limitations and equipment. However, within last 10 days I did take several photos of my still blooming amaryllis. (for more information about my surgery, see ACDF & My Cup Overflows)

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Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida

Leu Gardens. 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, Florida
Leu Gardens
Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed Christmas)

This post was originally shared on July 5, 2018. I have updated it with current information. Photos were taken over several seasons.

The next time you visit Central Florida and the Orlando area, take a day to visit beautiful Leu Gardens.  The gardens are an amazing 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from Downtown Orlando. Each garden is designed specifically to further the mission: inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants. The garden and historical home were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961 by Mr. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane.  Admission is a reasonable $15 for adults, $10 for children 4 – 17, and free for children 3 and under. You can purchase admission tickets online. The following first Mondays will be Free Admission days at Leu Gardens:  July 4, 2022 – August 1, 2022 – September 5, 2022 – October 3, 2022.

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Last Day of April in The Garden

Plumeria is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. Most species are deciduous shrubs or small trees. The tropical species are indigenous to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and as far south as Brazil, but are grown as cosmopolitan ornamentals in warm regions. Common names for plants in the genus vary widely but Frangipani or variations on that theme are the most common.

Yesterday I went into the front yard checking my plants around 10 AM. The sky was blue with white clouds and the temperature was about 81 degrees F.

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Spring Crown of White

I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. The red amaryllis you buy at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.

Two weeks ago I shared my first white amaryllis blooming in my front yard here in central Florida. Over the next few days almost every white flower opened in a beautiful white crown in the garden. Today I’m sharing photos from a early morning visit.

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April’s White Amaryllis Blooms

I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. The red amaryllis you buy at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.

Last week I shared my first amaryllis blooms of 2022 with my variegated pink and white flowers. My photos showed large buds on the white amaryllis next to it. Today is time for large white amaryllis flowers!

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