Flowers burst like bombs in the air - Happy Independence Day 2013
Croscosmia Lucifer is one of my favorite mid summer plants in the garden. Not only do the flame-red flowers remind me of exploding fireworks, but their trumpet shaped blossoms are irresistible to hummingbirds.
Native to South Africa, croscosmia is a cousin to gladiolus, iris and freesia. It has blade type leaves that grow 2 to 4 feet tall. This time of year, arching flower spikes burst open in bright red, and bloom for nearly three to four weeks.
As you might expect, Lucifer takes its name from its fiery red flowers - not its behavior in the garden. It’s actually quite easy to grow and requires dividing of thick bulb clumps about every three years.
A message of celebration from my garden on the 4th of July
This morning, July 4th, 2013, I sat in the backyard with a cup of coffee and admired the garden. It was the stately and bold Lucifer that drew my eye - Happy Independence Day they seem to proclaim.
Yes, I love them, almost as much as my tiny Hummingbird friends.
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