Wednesday's Story

It was all the rage back in the late ‘80’s…

A toy that could be tossed in the house, was colorful, neat to hold and just plain fun to look at. It was definitely a favorite toy of mine, even as an adult. Fast forward: I was shooting at the LA Zoo and Botanical Garden and came across this toy again, but this time, to my surprise, it was flowering from a bush! I so wanted to grab and toss it, but it looked just too beautiful in its own natural habitat.

points of interest

Large, spreading shrub with numerous branches and pinnate leaves composed of elliptic, glossy, dark green leaflets. In summer, axillary, spherical “powder puff” flower heads appear, typically in red, but sometimes in pink or white with up to 100 stamens matching in color. Buds resemble raspberries.

general care

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun outdoors. Prune after flowering. Water freely and fertilize monthly, except in winter when the plant should be watered sparingly.

friday’s flower fact

What we call “Amaryllis” aren’t true Amaryllis. The cultivated hybrids are actually Hippeastrum. True Amaryllis is a bulb from South Africa that looks more like a lily!