June Garden Floral Surprises

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 sold in December are FORCED plants.)

Here in central Florida we’re really into hot summer weather by May and June continues it with more rain. Our dry season is winter. The rainy season runs from May 15 to October 15 for Southwest Florida and from May 25 to October 10 for the rest of West Central Florida. My area around the Tampa area is more west central Florida. We had little to no rain late winter into spring. Finally in May we started to have a significant rainfall. June has meant the last week of rain storms late afternoon and early evening as moisture came in from the Gulf of Mexico. The rain has encouraged more flowers to bloom.

Read More

White Spring Flowers in my Semi-Tropical Florida Garden

Gardenias are subtropical plants that thrive in warm, humid weather. Most gardenias are hardy in zones 8-11, though a few varieties hardy to zone 7 have been developed and a few are only hardy in zones 10 and 11.  Gardenias can be grown in pots and brought inside in cold climates. See How To Care For Gardenias  for more information.

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.

In the last month I’ve have shared lots of spring blooms. My large white amaryllis has bloomed for about a month. This last week was the final stalk with 4 or 5 blooms.

Read More

Gardenia Bush Blossoms

Gardenias are subtropical plants that thrive in warm, humid weather. Most gardenias are hardy in zones 8-11, though a few varieties hardy to zone 7 have been developed and a few are only hardy in zones 10 and 11.  Gardenias can be grown in pots and brought inside in cold climates. See How To Care For Gardenias  for more information.

 

My little gardenia bush has had three blooms this month. The first I brought into the house to the enjoy.  The next week two more blossoms appeared.

Read More

Gardenia Flower

Gardenias are subtropical plants that thrive in warm, humid weather. Most gardenias are hardy in zones 8-11, though a few varieties hardy to zone 7 have been developed and a few are only hardy in zones 10 and 11.  Gardenias can be grown in pots and brought inside in cold climates. See How To Care For Gardenias  for more information.

 

I planted a small gardenia bush 3 years ago. Last year I had a few blooms in the spring.  Later I moved my little bush to a more appropriate location in the yard with partial shade.  It has done well since the move but hasn’t grown much as it adjusts.  This spring I have found several little flowers.  I cut the first flower, brought it inside, placed it in a little glass of water,  and took photos from all angles.

 

Read More

First Gardenia Flowers

Gardenias are subtropical plants that thrive in warm, humid weather. Most gardenias are hardy in zones 8-11, though a few varieties hardy to zone 7 have been developed and a few are only hardy in zones 10 and 11.  Gardenias can be grown in pots and brought inside in cold climates. See How To Care For Gardenias for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several years ago, I bought a little gardenia bush.  According to experts, if protected during cold snaps for the first few years, mature gardenias can survive an occasional frost.

Read More