#msfancyplants

Phylica stipularis. from south africa, super comfy in san francisco.

Ferns for days...

whoa.  if you’re in san francisco please check out the enormous Magnolia in full bloom on stanyan at page.  hurry!

my tiny Ceanothus, planted last spring, has finally recovered from transplant shock. i know, i know, i should be planting in the fall. regardless, i find that it takes a good year before a ca native decides to be happy in its new space, judging by the amount of buds and blooms (fifty plus) vs its size (about a foot and a half tall), this native is totally psyched.

Bleeding Heart can tolerate almost full shade, so if you're over Hostas and Ferns, (what? who am i kidding, how could you be over Ferns? they're the coolest), either way, it's the perfect accent for your shady garden.  it's an old fashioned plant, that looks great paired with vintagy deep purple Begonias, but also looks fantastic with more architectural plants like black Mondo grass or pink Bromeliads.  Lamprocapnos is fast growing (to 3' high and wide), and low maintenance as long as you work a bit of organic matter into the soil. keep it moist in the summer and not too soggy in winter, and this baby will produce dramatic long-lasting blooms late winter to early summer.  i hear it dies back to the ground in warmer climates, i'll keep you posted, i'm curious to see if this happens in san francisco.   

***This particular plant is east-facing in my upper haight garden.***  

Lotus berthelotii (Parrot's Beak) is blooming in my living wall.  I kinda can't peel my eyes away.  I absolutely love the way its orange and black blooms complement the Succulent foliage next it.  but i will say this, Parrot's Beak is a bit of a fussy plant. don't even think about dividing it, just thinking about it will kill it.  and don't forget to water in a dry winter. don't do that. last thing - provide plenty of sun, and positive energy and this fancy plant will pop out flowers nine months out of the year.  

the Aloes are blooming.