Ceropegia woodii variegata

Ceropegia woodii flowering

I was pleased to find this flower today, Ceropegia flowers are so interesting to look at. This will always be one of my favorite plants, it was also one of the first plants I ever grew. I started one from cuttings thirty four years ago that I had gotten from an elderly neighbor. This forgiving plant likes very little water and bright light.

Corylopsis pauciflora aka The Buttercup Winter Hazel

 

I purchased this awesome shrub 7 years ago and never regretted the decision. It is a wonderful performer in the garden, faithfully covered in chains of beautiful creamy yellow flowers every spring.

Corylopsis pauciflora is known by the common name of Buttercup Winter Hazel. Not only is this shrub deer resistant it is very tolerant of shade. It can be grown in full sun to full shade.  It is unfortunately not commonly seen in the nursery trade, since many people do not know bout this versatile shrub. It grows to an average of 4'x 4' which makes it ideal specimen for many yards and great for foundation plantings too. I am in zone 6a and have acidic soil.

Seeds to sow!

I just picked up some seeds online and look forward to sowing them. I am trying:
Aloe polyphylla
mixed Stapelia
Euphorbia obesa
Euphorbia enopla
I will be keeping track in this post.

Stapeliads aka the Carrion Star Flower

A new passion for me. ...STAPELIADS, aka stinky plants that are pollinated by flies. I have grown
Dracunculus vulgaris for years, apologies to my next door neighbor. I love the form and flowers of these awesome succulents from South Africa. Such a cool looking plant that grows quite well in containers, I love them in plain clay pots. I recommend a visit to the following link!
Stapeliad Photo Gallery
for more info on this awesome family:  Wikipedia: Stapelia
There are more than a hundred species of this member of the milkweed family. The velvety gray green stems are low growing, branch upward and resemble cactus. They are shallow rooted and and need to dry a bit between waterings. They need bright light but will burn in full sun.

Euphorbia aeroginosa

 Euphorbia aeruginosa is a beautiful bushy, spiny succulent native to South Africa. Plants will reach 12 inches  tall with a 4-angled blue-green stem with copper-colored spines. They are very easy to grow and make an attractive addition to any succulent collection.  I picked up this little beauty at a recent Cactus and Succulent show.

Hoya curtisii

 Originally from The Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand, Hoya curtisii has one of the smallest leaves in the Hoya family. It is a slow grower, but when it takes off it gets to be a very full and can tolerate periods of neglect. The leaves are beautifully variegated and looks quite similar to Ceropegia woodii. The scented flowers are yellowish-green with red center.  This very pretty Hoya loves bright light but should be protected from full sun. The soil needs to dry a little between waterings.

10/28/13: I summered this Hoya out on my front porch that had full sun late afternoon. Foliage had turned a gorgeous bronze. As the nights began to chill, I brought curtisii back into its window spot in my bedroom. I am patiently waiting for the start or any hint of buds.....I so want flowers!