Blue, lavender, purple flowers - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Rhynchostylis sp. (Foxtail Orchid) is a small, eye-catching plan. It is native to India, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This orchid is a charming addition to any garden with its distinctively textured, upright flower spikes and produces an array of vibrant colors throughout the year, including pink, white and off-white, blue, lavender, and purple flowers. The fragrant blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

These orchids are easy to care for, as long as they are planted in the correct location and given the right amount of water. To ensure proper care, it is recommended to choose well-drained orchid mix substrate and a container with adequate drainage holes. Place the container in an area that receives bright indirect sunlight, either outdoors or indoors. Keep the plant moist, but not soggy, during the growing season. Water heavily during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer.

Rhynchostylis sp. is suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. In cold regions, it is best to keep the Foxtail Orchid as a potted plant and bring it indoors during the winter months. For optimal growth, move the potted plant to a sunny spot near a window. Alternatively, you can place a grow light nearby to provide extra light. Water sparingly during the winter, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Fertilize the orchid monthly to provide essential nutrients.

With the right care, this beautiful and exotic orchid will bring a unique and vibrant touch to your garden.

Phacelia campanularia is found in rocky slopes and sandy washes in California, up to 6,000 ft altitude. This small shrub grows between 2-5 ft tall, with an upright, wiry, branching habit. It is a drought tolerant plant and will tolerate periods of no water if the soil is well drained.

This California native prefers a location in full sun but can tolerate part shade for partial day. Once established, it needs moderate water. The flowers are a beautiful gentian blue and range from deep blue to lavender and purple. In mild climates, it may even flower year round. The flowers are quite attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Phacelia campanularia can be grown outdoors in USDA Zone 9-11. Gardeners in colder regions may try growing it in a container near a sunny wall. Provide the bell-flowered plant water and protection from extreme temperatures to keep it blooming properly.

It is a very attractive, easy-care plant and can be an excellent addition to a planting bed or rockery. Butterfly, bee, and hummingbird enthusiasts will appreciate the beauty of this drought tolerant plant.

This Mediterranean native prefers full-sun or semi-shade and moderate watering. When planted in an ideal location, the plant produces pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender or purple flowers. Salvia viridis (Annual Clary) grows in USDA hardiness zones 8-9 and is grown as an annual in USDA Zones 5-9.

When grown in colder climates, Salvia viridis is best suited for growing in containers indoors. To do so, provide a pot that is twice the size of the root ball of the plant and use well-draining soil. When planting in a container, use a specially designed potting mix that is designed for container plants. The soil should be kept somewhat moist, but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a sunny location and water when the soil surface is dry. Feed the plant fertilizer with a balanced formulation once every two weeks to ensure steady growth.

Deadheading or trimming spent flowers will encourage further blooming. Pruning Salvia viridis should be done carefully because it can lead to overgrowth, as well as long and leggy growth. With minimal care and optimal growing conditions, this small plant can add a dash of beautiful colors to your garden beds.

Spathoglottis plicata is the most common terrestrial (ground dwelling) orchid. Softly textured, pleated leaves to 3Ft long emerge in February from egg-shaped pseudobulbs about 2" in diameter. The flowers range in color from white to purple and are borne on erect spikes to 3 ft tall. Flowers open a few at a time at the top of the stem and each stem can last for months. In Sri Lanka to the Pacific Islands it blooms throughout the year. Over the last century, Spathoglottis plicata has become naturalized in tropical and semitropical areas of the U.S., such as in Hawaii and Florida, where it grows in the wild and is used for landscaping. S. plicata was among the first plants to recolonize the land around Mt. Krakatoa after this mighty volcano exploded in 1883 and decimated the Indonesian island of Krakatau.

See video about Ground Orchids.

Aloha Lily Eucomis are exotic, fragrant, drought tolerant once established, are nearly disease and pest free, are low input and have an extended shelf life. There are currently three main varieties: Leia, a burgundy-purple; Maui, a pure white; and Nani, a soft pink.

It is called the Pineapple Lily for its unusual flower heads that either resemble pineapples or are perfectly cylindrical. The leaves are thick and lance shaped and make up a full basal rosette. Pineapple Lilies like rich, loose soil and full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but will have fewer and smaller flowers.

Aloha Lily Eucomis do well over a wide range of environmental conditions and can be grown as potted plants or in-ground.

The flower has three stigmas, which are the distal ends of the plant's carpels. Together with its style, the stalk connecting the stigmas to the rest of the plant, these components are often dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron also has medicinal applications.

The Hibiscus request frequent deep watering, but good drainage. It is sensitive to root rot if the ground stays soaked. Check regularly for aphids and mealy bugs, and fertilize.The flowers last only a day or two, but they are produced in abundance most of the year. More pictures of different varieties: Hibiscus page and Catalog of Fancy varieties

Read more about hibiscus:

Hibiscus growing tips: The Tips of Hibiscus Flowers

Most useful Hibiscus plants

Hibiscus: TopTropicals' first plant

Catalog of Fancy Hibiscus varieties

Hibiscus Varieties Gallery