HEBE HYBRID

Hebe is a genus of plants in the Plantaginaceae family native to New Zealand, Rapa in French Polynesia, the Falkland Islands, and South America. It includes about 90 species and is the largest plant genus in New Zealand. Apart from H. rapensis (endemic to Rapa), all species occur in New Zealand. This includes the two species, H. salicifolia and H. elliptica, that have distributions extending to South America.

The genus is named after the Greek goddess of youth, Hebe. There are differing classifications for the genus and some botanists include Hebe, together with the related Australasian genera Chionohebe, Derwentia, Detzneria, Parahebe, Heliohebe and Leonohebe, in the larger genus Veronica (hence its common name 'Shrubby veronica').

Hebe has four perpendicular rows of leaves in opposite decussate pairs. The flowers are perfect, the corolla usually has four slightly unequal lobes, the flower has two stamens and a long style. Flowers are arranged in a spiked inflorescence. Identification of Hebe species is difficult, especially if they are not in flower.

The plants range in size from dwarf shrubs to small trees up to 7 metres, and are distributed from coastal to alpine ecosystems. Large-leaved species are normally found on the coast, in lowland scrub and along forest margins. At higher altitudes smaller-leaved species grow, and in alpine areas there are whipcord species with leaves reduced to thick scales.

Hebes are grown in many gardens and public areas; they attract butterflies. Hebes cope with most soil types, and can be propagated easily from both seed and cuttings. Wild Hebe hybrids are uncommon; however, there are many cultivated hybrids, such as the one shown here.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.

SPEEDWELL

Veronica chamaedrys (germander speedwell, bird's-eye speedwell) is a herbaceous perennial species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia west of the Ural Mountains. It is found on other continents as an introduced species.

This post is part of the Blue Monday meme,

and also part of the Macro Monday meme,

and also part of the Through my Lens meme,

and also part of the Seasons meme.

PENSTEMON

Penstemon is a genus of plants found mainly in the Americas from Alaska to Guatemala, the 250 species of perennials and subshrubs in this genus range from tiny carpeting plants to rapid growers that can exceed 1.2 m tall. They have recently been reclassified and from the Scrophulariaceae family, they are now in the Plantaginaceae family.

In recent years many new garden varieties have become available, generally with increased hardiness and increased flower production. In favourable conditions, these are reliable plants, suitable for border planting, rock gardens, woodland gardens, and "wild" gardens. The pretty flowers resemble those of the foxgloves (Digitalis), and, indeed, they belong to the related family Scrophulariaceae. Native Americans used several species, primarily for their analgesic and styptic properties but also to control stomach disorders.

Shown here is penstemon ‘Osprey’ AGM. A large variety with flowers of white to blush-pink, the lips and margins of the petals flushed deep pink red. Free-flowering and very hardy. 45-60cm.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.

GERMANDER SPEEDWELL

Veronica chamaedrys (germander speedwell, bird's-eye speedwell) is a herbaceous perennial species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia west of the Ural Mountains. It is found on other continents as an introduced species.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme,

and also part of the Friday Greens meme.

FIRECRACKER PLANT

Russelia equisetiformis, commonly known as Firecracker plant, Coral plant, Coral fountain, Coralblow and Fountain plant, is a weeping subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family. The plant is native to Mexico and Guatemala. The name Russelia honours the Scottish naturalist Alexander Russell (1715-1768), given to the genus by the Dutch scientist Baron Nikolaus von Jacquin (1727-1817). The species name reference to this plants resemblance to horse tail rushes, and the Latin term equisetiformis means "like Equisetum."

Russelia equisetiformis is a multi-branching plant with 1.2–1.5 m long arching branches.[The overall graceful form of the subshrub is a fountainesque mound. The stems and tiny oval leaves are bright green. It flowers profusely with small decumbent red flowers. It can bloom year round in tropical and subtropical climates. It is a very popular nectar plant for hummingbirds and butterflies.

It is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use planted in temperate climate gardens, and in window boxes, pots, and hanging planters. There are also cultivars with ivory white or pink flowers. Flowering is best in a minimum of half day sun, though the plant grows well in deep shade to bright sun. The plant can be espaliered on a trellis for vertical display or a balcony—terrace screen (in pot). It can withstand temperatures down to -6.6°C. In colder climates it can overwinter as a houseplant in bright locations.

This post is part of the Our World Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Ruby Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Wordless Wednesday meme.

PENSTEMON

Penstemon is a genus of plants found mainly in the Americas from Alaska to Guatemala, the 250 species of perennials and subshrubs in this genus range from tiny carpeting plants to rapid growers that can exceed 1.2 m tall. They have recently been reclassified and from the Scrophulariaceae family, they are now in the Plantaginaceae family.

In recent years many new garden varieties have become available, generally with increased hardiness and increased flower production. In favourable conditions, these are reliable plants, suitable for border planting, rock gardens, woodland gardens, and "wild" gardens. The pretty flowers resemble those of the foxgloves (Digitalis), and, indeed, they belong to the related family Scrophulariaceae. Native Americans used several species, primarily for their analgesic and styptic properties but also to control stomach disorders.

Penstemon 'Tubular Bells - Wine Red' is a robust plant with strong upright stems that hold striking deep red flowers with a soft white throat. This flamboyant penstemon really makes its presence felt in any cottage garden theme. Tubular Bells Wine Red will flower from June to September (Northern Hemisphere) and December to April (Southern Hemisphere), and is best planted in full sun or partial shade. Height: 40cm.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.