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
Great vine, Phillip! I'm always looking for plants for the hummingbirds and may try this as an annual next year as it wouldn't be hardy here in zone 5.
ReplyDeletelooking at the blooms that close they look like fish. i know i see everything different than the rest of the world! Hope all is well with you and yours!
ReplyDeleteLostRoses, it is hardy here and that is great.
ReplyDeleteCarol, they do look like fishes!
One I've often thought about picking up, glad to hear it is well behaved.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen this vine before. I bet it is a Southern vine. It is pretty.
ReplyDeleteI need to give that a try next summer. I don't think I've ever seen it around here. Did you start it fram seed or buy it as a plant?
ReplyDeleteCasa, it was a plant given to me. I don't know if it is easily grown from seed.
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