The Garden Awakens
Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
I'm gonna guess your vine is Manittia or fire cracker vine. Look at the photo on this site and see what you think. Sorry I don't know hos to do a link on a comment.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
http://www.landcraftenvironment.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LANDCRAFT&Category_Code=888
Apparently I don't know how to spell very well either. ManEttia and the 'hos' should have been hoW.
ReplyDeleteM
How nice to have this lovely mystery vine to remember your aunt. I have no idea what it is. It must be a vine that grows south of where I live.
ReplyDeleteMarnie, I think you are right! Thank you so much. Ah, the wonders of the Internet!
ReplyDeleteI recently saw this vine in the home garden of the director of the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. A beautiful vine! I've always thought it was fire cracker, too. Cameron
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your aunt, Phillip--but how wonderful that the vine will carry her memory. I'm glad Marnie ID'd it so quickly.
ReplyDeleteLovely little vine and esp. nice that it came from a relative. Those are always my favorites.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
Hi Phillip, such a wonderful plant for the hummers and humans. I love that your aunt's garden is being lovingly maintained as well as a part of it living on in your garden.
ReplyDeleteI have changed my font size, for the last time I hope, do come check it out and let me know if it is better for you. Thanks.
Frances
http://fairegarden.wordpress.com/
Sorry about your aunt but happy that you will keep her memory with you through this beautiful vine!
ReplyDeleteThe buds resemble a Trumpet Vine bud before they open up. At the link by Marnie, I see they dont open up quite as large as the Trumpet though. I bet the hummingbirds do enjoy this bright red flower!
Sorry to hear about your loss.
ReplyDeleteYou will this vine. We have to take it in each winter.
Phillip, That is a lovely story and a very good looking flowering vine. Aren't we lucky to have such good garden friends to help us out when we get stumped! Much more fun then the encyclopedia!
ReplyDeletegail