Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Befuddled

The heat does peculiar things to some cactus flowers--if they dare to bloom at all in the scorching heat we have been experiencing here. The pale, spindly flower of this Rebutia spegazziniana is completely different from the previous flowers on this cactus, as shown below.

This is a photo of the same cactus taken in April. The brilliant red color and full petals are a real contrast to the pitiful little June 23 flower.
The petals of this Zonal Geranium (Pelargonium hortorum 'Sunrise') curled within an hour of opening. This Geranium has limped along on my patio, and I should get rid of it. However, every time I decide to dump it, a new flower cluster appears, if only to succumb to the heat within a few hours.

The Euphorbia milli 'Dinni' suddenly put out a few flowers this week. They are sparse, but will last for days.

Then there's my old reliable Gymnocalycium baldianum. It blooms from April through September, no matter how hot it gets. The flowers last a few days, and then it takes a rest for a few days. New buds form and another round of flowers appear. This happens repeatedly for six months.

10 comments:

Julie said...

I think I will start a Rebutia garden! These things are such bloomers from what I have seen! I really love the strange change of your Rebutia spegazziniana bloom! COOL!!!

Jean said...

Aiyana, I fixed the extra link. No problem. Love-in-a-mist do come in other soft pastel colors. Not sure why mine are all white. Amazing how your cactus have different blooms! I have a new respect for all cactus, thanks to you. Jean

vintage girl at heart said...

These are all so vibrant.. I never realized that cacti bloomed so much or in so many shades!! All of the flowers alook like they are thriving in spite of the heat!!!
Very pretty!!

beckie said...

How odd that it outs out 2 different flowers. Not only the color but the shape as well. I think it is still pretty though. The 'milli' looks so nice-lush leaves. You know me and pink...I love the 'G. baldianum! Hope you get a break from the heat soon.

Suzy said...

What beautiful blooms you have to enjoy!!
I live in PA. and have cactus in my office window...but I have no idea what to do to make them bloom...we easterners need a crash course from you!!

Suzanne said...

You have made me a cactus lover! Every week I can't wait to see what you've got for us!

Anonymous said...

They are very beautiful, but the first thing I noticed was your weather box on the sidebar that says 102 degrees! No wonder you thought 59 was heaven! :) Actually, we'll get up to 81 today, but it was 59 overnight and early morning--yes, it was heaven and I loved it. I love seeing your beautiful garden photography, too. Thank you!

Laurie and Chris said...

I can't believe how pretty cactus really are when the bloom.

Dilip Mutum said...

Really beautiful colours. My daughter loves the Gymnocalycium baldianum flowers. "Pink! Pink!"

Girls!!

Sugarplum Cottage said...

As usual I love all the unique plants. Hugs, RoseMarie