Today's Flowers; Summer delights;

Hoya carnosa is happiest...

climbing up a tree;

Hoya carnosa is one of 100 species of Hoya that are native to Eastern Asia and Australia. Hoya carnosa was named for Thomas Hoym, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland at the end of the 18th century.

Blooming Time: Summer: Clusters of attractive, star shaped, pink-white blossoms are produced in summer. The delicate flowers appear to be made of porcelain and are truly unique.

Culture: Hoya carnosa does best in at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, but also can be grown in bright indirect or curtain-filtered sunlight. Water freely during flowering but allow the soil to become almost dry between waterings when the plants are resting. Fertilize every 2 months in spring and summer. Do not remove the leafless spurs or stubs, on which new flowers appear every year.

Propagation: Hoya carnosa can be propagated at anytime by air layering or by stem cuttings. A portion of the stem including one or more pairs of leaves will quickly produce roots in water or damp sand.

Brachychiton discolour flowers from late spring into summer;

Australian native tree with a striking Summer flowering display.

Features: A large, bushy tree with a stout, grey trunk and attractively patterned bark. The large, matt-green leaves have a felt-like covering and fall from the tree prior to flowering. Then, in Summer, the bare tree is covered in a profusion of 6cm, woolly, pink, bell-shaped flowers that hang in clusters at the ends of the branches.

Conditions: Enjoys a warm, sunny, moist, well drained position but will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, and an occasional frost, once established.

For Best Results: Mulch to maintain soil moisture. Fertilize in Spring if required.

Planting Ideas and Uses:

- striking specimen tree

- site where Summer bloom can be enjoyed

The herb Dill has pretty flowers and dainty leaves. It is now ready to cut and dry for my herb salt.

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