We have such a wealth of amazing nurseries here in the Pacific Northwest that I’ll admit to not doing much online plant shopping. While it’s fun to browse, I usually default to visiting a local establishment where I am seduced by the plants that surround me. However what happens when there’s a certain plant I simply must have and I can’t find it locally? An online order is placed, post haste!
As you’ve probably noticed this shipment came from Annie’s Annuals in California. Look at how expertly everything is packed. I am continually amazed at the innovative packing techniques used to get plants safely to their new homes.
So what did I buy? Well the “must-have” plant that spurred the order was Salvia ‘Phyllis Fancy’. I’m not really a Salvia fan (with the exception of a few, which I share below) but my mom is, and her name is Phyllis…it’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift! And yes, I know Mother’s Day isn’t until May but I’m visiting her early this year…
Since it makes no sense to buy just one plant mail-order I filled up the box with a few things for me. Meet Euphorbia atropurpurea…
It’s already crazy cute but check out the photos on the Plant Provocateur, pretty cool eh? It wants wintertime temperatures a USDA Zone warmer than my garden so I think it will be spending this first year bulking up in a container, in hopes of it over wintering so I can see those flowers next spring.
Then again maybe we’ll have another Zone 9 winter next year and it will be safe in the ground? Oh the games I play…
Those two containers with just a single leaf contain Iris tuberosus / aka Hermodactylus tuberosus
I’ve had a mad crush on this plant since seeing it in a HPSO Botanical display years ago. Green and black flowers — does it get any better than that? (trick question) Now let’s just hope I am successful at growing those single blades on to flowering size.
Finally, because I love it and never seem to remember to find one locally (and the one time I did I bought a stupid dwarf plant!) Nicotiana alata ‘Lime Green’…
What about you, have any plants shown up on your doorstep recently?