According to local news reports, this February was the coldest in Los Angeles since 1962. Moreover, it was the first February on record in which our temperature never reached the 70F mark. That might not sound too impressive to you but locals have complained mightily about it. In my own case, I blamed what I perceived as a delay in the emergence of our early spring flowers on the colder-then-normal temperatures. But, although temperatures rose only slightly this week, some plants have decided they've waited long enough to strut their stuff. With new flowers showing up daily, I thought I'd share some of those producing their first flush of flowers with you to kick off the weekend.
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| Alyogyne huegelii (aka Blue Hibiscus) wasn't in bloom yesterday morning but these flowers were open in mid-afternoon |
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| Auranticarpa rhombifolium isn't my favorite shrub but it's small flowers are rather pretty |
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| The Freesias sprang into action almost all at once, starting with the blue-flowered varieties |
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| As this clump of yellow Freesia shows, the flower stems tend to flop but their scent is delicious |
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| I've got a nice variety of colors this year too |
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| I used the buds of Globularia x indubia (aka Globe Daisy) in a flower arrangement last month but now the buds are mostly open |
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| Helleborus 'Phoebe' just lifted her head this week |
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| The Ipheion uniflorum I planted several years ago are popping up here and there |
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| This Lavandula stoechas is relatively unobtrusive |
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| The first of Leucospermum 'Brandi's' buds is opening and I'm excited to say that I've got the promise of many more Leucospermum flowers this year |
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| Another no-name Narcissus is making an appearance next to the fountain |
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| The first Sparaxis flowers also opened this week |
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| I broke down at last and bought a few 6-packs of Violas. Warm temperatures usually make quick work of them but, if the rain and cooler conditions continues, maybe I can hang onto them a little longer this year. |
In addition, a few plants that were just getting started last month are now roaring ahead.
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| You may see Arctotis 'Pink Sugar'many more times before its season is over but it's so pretty right now I couldn't resist sharing this photo |
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| Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold' has been blooming for some time already but this one in the front garden is entirely covered in flowers now |
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| The foliage of Lotus berthelotii 'Amazon Sunset' has been spreading wildly for months but the flowers are now taking off as well |
More rain is falling today. While it will further flatten the
Freesias, I hope it'll continue to boost flower production in the long run. Stay tuned...I think it's safe to say that Spring has arrived in coastal Southern California.
All material © 2012-2019 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
