I've got to give Black Forest another try. Those blooms look huge. Looking at your nibbled leaf reminds me that Japanese Beetles are late this year.

I've only seen one of those nefarious beetles so far this year and I believe it was on a calla leaf (quite the observation on your part).

Just a gues j. We've been battling each other for years and the Callas seem to be their favorite snack here.

Mango Calla Lily - interior of flower reveals surprising color -

Peruvians still doing well -


Oakhurst - about to break into bloom


Dahlia HS Single Party


Chocolate Cosmos has flower buds

I started a thread about this but no one has answered so I will ask here. Does anyone know if crocosmia bulbs are planted in the spring or the fall?

Thanks!

Ann - in my zone (9) I normally leave my crocosmias in the ground. But, since they bloom early summer, I would probably plant them in early spring for summer bloom. But, if they are hardy in your area and you want to plant them in the fall, they should be OK too.

Thanks Dianne. I was going to order some but didn't know if they are normally planted in fall or spring so that's why I was asking. We don't get true freezes here; not anything that would freeze the ground beyond an inch deep & even that would be truly rare.

I live in zone 7a and my crocosmia has lived for years in the ground year around until this past winter. none survived. I guess if I replant in the future I will pot them. They are so beautiful.

Lucifer and Emberglow did just fine this winter for me Bonnie. We had 6a/5b temps so they should be fine for you.

Thanks Evan, I am writing down those names. smiles

They're nice together - as Lucifer wraps up Emberglow has started to bloom. I'd lke to get Crocosmia 'Yellow Lucifer' to add some color variety, if it grows like Lucifer that is.

Rain lilies amped up again -


Gloriosas coming into their own -


Wild Onion (Ramp) -

Eucomis - Oakhurst


Magic Lilies - just getting started...

Love the color on those rain lilys J. What cultivar are they? Such wonderful saturation of color.

Rain aka Zephyr Lily (Zephyranthes rosea)

Thanks J, they're now in my list.

Must be the difference in soil, sun, water? Mine sure aren't that deep pink. I think our southern sun fades things faster.

Oakhurst Pineapple Lily
couple of days later >

Oakhurst is a beaut. Seems to do well for you every year J.

Thanks Evan, same pot most of those years.


I've got a giant Pineapple lily starting to make it's presence felt along w/ a lot of reg. Pineapple Lilies blooming in large pots. Here's pic of giant forming ...
on top view >

Other summer bulbs right now are the Magic Lilies, They consistently open the month of August here. I believe there's 8 groups in selected sites in garden. A few years of no disturbance and a colony builds, soon to thrive.



Blood Lilies radiant at present. Were left in basement showing no awakening initially, then recently gave the pot some water, next couple of days bulb spouts emerged. Moved outside about to reach their glory.


Calla Lily 'Best Gold' surprised me w/ a another bloom


Acidanthera (Abyssinian Glad) goings very well.


Most significantly, for me, the Chocolate Cosmos is blooming. I've not grown one for maybe 10 years. Kind of an oddity/seldom seen cultivar. Pleasant association fragrances are present.