Wednesday's Story

As I stood there with my mouth gaping open…

I was flooded with all sorts of questions: Is it real? Is it really a flower? Did someone dye it that color? As my mind started to slow with questions and my mouth no longer gaping open, I spent the next hour and a half shooting this flower. In that time, I relived my own experience as I watched others notice this exotic flower, and how in that first moment it created such wonder and awe for each one of us.

points of interest

From winter to spring, bears spectacular claw-shaped luminous mint green-blue flowers in groups up to 36” long. Closely related to kidney and runner beans, however flowers only occur on mature vines. It is considered an endangered species due to habitat destruction and the decrease in occurrence of its natural pollinators.

general care

Train over arch or pergola in warmer climates or grow indoors in cooler conditions. Water freely in summer, fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, and water sparingly in winter. Plant in full sun to partial shade in humus rich, fertile soil.

friday’s flower fact

The Jade Vine has evolved modifications to be pollinated by a species of bat that hangs upside down while drinking the nectar.