Sometimes it's all about the flowers

When I pick a plant for the garden, the main criterion is usually the foliage or—for plants without traditional leaves—the overall look. Flowers are a nice bonus, but they're rarely the main focus.

However, when a special plant is in bloom, it's all about the flowers. And that's nice, too. 

Here are a few current examples from our garden.

⬐ The Cape lily (Veltheimia capensis) is a South African bulb that thrives in the long bed along the sidewalk. Its fully dormant in the summer, but in the winter it puts on a show that lasts for a couple of months. The kniphofia-like flowers are starting to wane a bit now, but it looks like they'll stick around for a few more weeks. The leaves are nothing to sneeze at either.

Veltheimia capensis

⬐ Cephalophyllum 'Red Spike' was one of the purchases that came home with me from my quick trip to Southern California at the end of December. It's a clumping ice plant that is said to "erupt in carmine flowers" in late winter. I think it's on its way!

Cephalophyllum 'Red Spike'

⬐ While most aloes in our garden are taking their sweet time this year, the one in the photos below is at its peak. It's a hybrid between two species from central Madagascar, Aloe ericetorum and Aloe hoffmannii. Aloe ericetorum has yellow flowers, Aloe hoffmannii red ones, and this cross made by Nick Deinhart combines both colors in an ombre effect. I'm a bit obsessed with it right now.

Aloe ericetorum × hoffmannii (ex Nick Deinhart)

The top view is nice, too!

⬐ Back in the long bed along the sidewalk, Aloe wickensii has a few open flowers. It's as if it's dipping its toes in the water to test the temperature. Nah, still too cold, I'll wait a little longer.

Soon, though, we'll have quite a show. Several aloes are in their starting positions...

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