Wednesday's Story

Wandering the New York Botanical Garden…

Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, I came across a very lanky tree trunk with light colored bark. Yes, the lightness of its bark did stand out against the beautiful, lush greens surrounding it, but if it were not for the bright red and white tulip-shaped blooms growing from its skinny tree trunk, I think I would’ve easily passed it by. It was so unlike any other evergreen shrub bloom I have seen. How wondrous it is to continue to find and be awed by the 400,000+ blooms that petal our world.

points of interest

Grown for their brightly colored flowers that are borne in auxiliary clusters mainly in the summer. The petals, red with white tips, form a tube with the stamens often protruding, and surrounded by a bell shaped calyx with hairy undersides. The leaves are green and broadly ovate. Grow in a warm greenhouse where not hardy.

general care

Grow as annual outdoors in part or full sun, in well-drained, fertile soil. Water moderately in summer and apply a low nitrogen fertilizer monthly. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness.

friday’s flower fact

The species Pavonia synonym is Goethea, named in honor of the poet Goethe, who was also a plant collector.