As observed during September 2007
2/9/07
- Kniphofia ensifolia ssp. ensifolia Temperate South Africa. Spikes of hot orange tubular flowers loved by wasps. Large clump growing south of the herbarium.
- Watsonia pillansii Eastern S.Africa. As attractive in tight bud as in full bloom. The long linear flower spikes hold flattened double row of flower buds gradually expanding to bright orange
- Lobelia cardinalis. Tall, slender growing plant native to N.America west of the pond. An angled grey anther protrudes from the red petals
- Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' Demonstration garden and annual border. The dark foliage accentuates the spikes of vivid red flowers
- Crocosmia 'Queen of Spain' QMM garden. An ugly c.v. with large blousy blooms
- C.x crocosmiiflora ‘Red King' in comparison, delicate shrimp like flowers
- C. x c. 'Carminea' Wild garden, west of the rock garden, petals mottled red and yellow
- Schizostyllus coccinea E. S. Africa. Rock garden. The shadow of the anthers plays on the petals when the sun shines
- Salvia microphylla Mexico. Rock garden and glasshouse borders. Native to Arizona. Labiate flowers deep red fading pink. Distinctive aromatic scent from the whole plant
7/9/07
Both of the following wild collected species are growing on the south facing bank at the ramp to the exhibition hall. Growing and flowering best in soil with high moisture content yet well drained until flowering has finished. Then a dryer root zone throughout the late autumn, winter until growth recommences in April.
- Agapanthus caulescens. Spectacularly large heads of mid blue flowers. Native to Temperate S. Africa
- Agapanthus inapertus ssp. hollandii The flowers are held down in the head on a 1.5m strong stem. Watch the bees almost disappear up the perianth tube in their quest for nectar. S.Africa, Transvall.
11/9/07
Cyclamen hederifolium; one of the few plants with a label showing the common name, "Sowbread". So called as the corms were once fed to pigs in southern Europe. They are however poisonous to humans.
The clump beneath the Elm in front of the alpine wall is in full bloom, showing the variability in the species, both in flower colour and marbling of the leaf; more are represented in the alpine house and beneath the woody plants to the west of the house.
Also in the alpine house and Rock Garden is C. h. 'Alba' and a cultivar selected for its foliage 'Silver Cloud'
C. intaminatum; a minature species seen through the mesh in the alpine house. Bearing white flowers here but also through to pink in its native Turkey.
14/9/07
There are a wide range of Colchicum species and cultivars in flower. Commonly known as Autumn Crocus or Naked Ladies. The leaves follow after the flowers have faded. Look through cultivated areas to the west of the garden, rock garden and the alpine house. The following are a selection:
- C.speciosum Tight buds burst through the soil to open light purple with a white base
- C. giganteum A South West Asian species collected by Furser and Synge in 1960. Wide petalled head supported on a pencil thin perianth tube
- C.bornmuelleri Collected in Turkey, well shaped wavy petal formation, the anther position changes as the flower develops and the pollen is released
- C. graecum and C.macrophyllum, both in the alpine house and both native to Greece
21/9/07
- Luma apiculata, native to Chile and Argentina. An evergreen small tree covered in white blossom. The flowers have a multitude of anthers splayed apart. The bark on the trunk plates away revealing a grey sub layer as the plant matures.
- Crinodendron patagua, Chile. Delicate white flowers with a crimped edge to the petals are produced from the leaf axils of the current season's growth. Glossy green leaves give a fresh appearance to this stout growing shrub.
Both are to be found growing in the Chilean Area.
25/9 07
A visit to Dawyck, to see the start of the Autumn colour is recommended.
The Horse Chestnuts are leading the field but the most intense colour is provided by the Chinese species Euonymus sanguineus. Deep red leaves cover the top tier of this deciduous shrub permeating down to green beneath. The seed pod will split to reveal red and then yellow seed.
27/9/07
Tetradium daniellii, a wide headed tree that dominates the south west edge of the Pyrus lawn. Native to S.W.China, Korea. The canopy has suffered through storm damage in previous years.
Covered in corymbs of white flowers held on reddish tinged stalks. The globular buds open up to reveal prominent yellow anthers. The leaves, composed of several leaflets, have a distinctive smell when bruised. Be aware that sap from members of the family Rutaceae can cause a skin rash or blistering especially on brighter days.
28/9/07
Acer griseum on the front lawn, road to the east gate. Superb autumn colour combined with flaking of the brown bark from the trunk and branch framework ensures this highly desirable small tree native to central China is worthy of a place in all gardens.
The mass of winged nuts at the base of the tree is the result of grey squirrel damage.
The close up image shows the power of their teeth in the search for seed within the downy nutlets.