What’s in Bloom

Bulbinella latifolia ssp. doleritica features long narrow leaves that grow in dense rosettes. The flowers are bright yellow-orange and appear in tall spikes. Doleritica refers to its preference for dolerite, a type of volcanic rock found in eastern regions of South Africa. This plant thrives in the nutrient-poor soils formed from these rocks, showing how plants can adapt to very specific ecological niches. Well-adapted to survive in drought conditions, it stores water in its fleshy roots, which helps it endure long dry spells common in its natural habitat. The bright tubular flowers are adapted for bird pollination, particularly for sunbirds that are attracted to their color and nectar.


 

Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a charming cool-season plant loved for its upswept, butterfly-like flowers and beautifully marbled, heart-shaped leaves. Blooming in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, it brings cheerful color when many plants are resting. Cyclamen persicum is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, especially Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, and surrounding areas, where it grows in cool, shady woodlands.  As a houseplant, cyclamen prefers bright, indirect light, cool temperatures (50–65°F), and well-drained soil. Water carefully from the base or saucer to avoid wetting the crown, keeping the soil lightly moist but never soggy. With the right care and a cool spot, florist’s cyclamen will reward you with weeks to months of colorful blooms, even when many other houseplants are taking a break. Visit the Conservatories to see a variety of colorful florist's cyclamen in bloom!  

Clivia miniata is a significant species in our indoor display, with beautiful blossoms adding sweeps of color to our West Conservatory from late winter into spring. Native to southern Africa and a member of the amaryllis family, it is known for its large umbels of orange, yellow, red, or even green flowers that stand above shiny deep-green or variegated strap-like foliage.

One of the most interesting features of many Grevillea species is their intricate, tube-shaped flowers that attract specific pollinators. The flowers' long tubular shapes are ideal for birds with long beaks, while their colors and nectar production make them irresistible. It's a great example of co-evolution between plant and pollinator. Although the tree is native to Australia, it was originally introduced to many parts of the world, including Africa and the Pacific Islands, where it became an exotic ornamental plant. Because of its rapid growth and long-lasting wood, some people referred to it as the "Australian timber that traveled the world.“ The Aboriginal people of Australia have a long history of utilizing grevillea plants in a variety of ways. Some species of Grevillea, particularly the larger, woody shrubs and trees, have a remarkable ability to regenerate after bushfires, which are common in Australia. Grevilleas have adapted to fire-prone environments by having a "fire-resistant" seed bank. Even though the plant might burn down in a fire, the seeds in the soil are often able to survive the heat and sprout anew once the fire has passed. 


 

Narcissus is a genus of bulb-forming perennials in the amaryllis family that includes daffodils, jonquils, and paperwhites, many of which are valued for their sweet fragrance. They are native mainly to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia and generally bear spring flowers with six petal-like tepals surrounding a central cup or trumpet. The name Narcissus comes from ancient Greek and is tied to the myth of the youth Narkissos, whose self-adoration led to his transformation into the flower, making Narcissus a traditional symbol of vanity and the fleeting nature of beauty. In the garden, their blooms provide early-season nectar and pollen for insects such as bees and certain flies. 

The soft, erect, sword-shaped leaves appear before the flowers of Melasphaerula graminea. The flowers consist of many small, delicate, star-like, cream-colored to pale yellow flowers that are sparsely arranged in a lax, branched spike on slender, wiry stems. The genus name Melasphaerula comes from the Greek "melas," meaning "black" and "sphaerula," meaning "little ball" referring to the plant’s small, black corms and cormlets. The specific epithet graminea, meaning "grass-like," refers to the nature of this plant; it is often mistaken for a kind of grass. There is only a single known species of this genus. It was found at the Cape of Good Hope and introduced into Kew Gardens in 1787. The unpleasantly scented, sour, and putrid odors emitted by the flowers attract small March Flies (a nectar-feeding fly), which appear to be the only pollinators of these tiny, short-tubed flowers. Ants are possibly responsible for the dispersal of the seeds. Melasphaerula graminea will self-pollinate in the absence of insect visitors. The plant loses its leaves in summer, this is believed to be an adaptation to cope with the seasonally dry and harsh summer conditions.



 

Eutaxia myrtifolia is a dense upright shrub 2 to 4 feet tall by nearly as wide. It has lime-green leaves, and from late winter through spring bears an abundance of attractive and lightly fragrant half inch wide pea flowers that have a bright egg-yellow standard with red wings and keel. The yellow flowers attract native Australian wildlife, especially birds and insects. Its nectar-rich flowers provide a food source for bees and butterflies, while the shrub also offers shelter for small birds and insects. The flowers not only bloom for an extended period but also last a long time once cut, making it a great addition to floral arrangements. Their bright yellow color can add a touch of sunshine to any bouquet.


 

Orthophytum gurkenii is a small terrestrial bromeliad grown chiefly for its striking foliage: thick, narrowly triangular leaves in a tight rosette, colored deep chocolate-brown to almost black and marked with bold, silver-white zigzag bands that give it a snake or zebra-like pattern. Native to rocky habitats to Brazil, it typically reaches only about 6–8 inches tall and wide, but sends up a much taller, slender spike topped with lime-green plantlets that bear small white tubular flowers in late spring to summer. The leaf margins are armed with sharp spines, and unlike many bromeliads it does not hold water in a central cup, instead preferring very well-drained media, bright light (which intensifies its dark coloration), and careful watering to avoid root rot.

Lachenalia ′Romaud′ is a striking plant known for its vibrant and colorful blooms. They have strap-shaped, sometimes dark-spotted leaves, and erect stems bearing spikes of tubular flowers that are slightly fragrant in some species. Cape Cowslip is one of the easiest new bulbs to "force" into bloom on your windowsill. Still rather new to the industry, these hybrids are fool-proof versions of a genus once only known to rare bulb collectors.
 

Aloe striata × maculata is a hybrid aloe, combining characteristics of Aloe striata (the "coral aloe") and Aloe maculata (the "spotted aloe"). Though there is considerable variability, these plants usually have light coral to darker orange three-foot flowers rising above rosettes of lightly spotted leaves that have soft teeth along their margins. The term "ghost" likely refers to the plant’s light-colored appearance and striking contrast to the more vibrant, typical green hues seen in many other aloes. When exposed to cold winter temperatures, the frosty, light-colored leaves acquire an amethyst purple tint.


 

This tender subshrub is one of the stars of our late winter West Conservatory display.  Grown from cuttings, it takes a little more than a year to get a new cutting to the size of the plant you see on display. As the common name Pride of Madeira implies, this comes from and is endemic to the island of Madeira, where it grows on rocky cliffs and terraces. It is considered rare in its native habitat, possibly threatened because of wildfire potential, but it is in no danger of extinction. It is commonly found in California landscapes, and has naturalized in New Zealand and Australia. It is attractive to honeybees, hummingbirds and butterflies, but generally unpalatable to deer and other browsers.