I was really excited to see it coming back this spring. It grew and grew but no blooms. (It's about 5 feet tall.) I tried everything to boost blooming but it refused. The other day I was looking at it and noticed buds. Then we had a couple of frosts and I figured that was it but low and behold it is now blooming. In the background you can see some frost damage.
I love the long tubular blooms and how they hang in clusters. I also bought a rose colored one this year but it didn't perform as well. Plus, Mr. big green caterpillar loves these plants.Here's some facts:
Botanical name-Iochroma cyaneum
Native of South America and relative of the Angel trumpet
Full sun to light shade
8' Tall and 8' Wide
Hardy to 20
Shrub like in zones 9B-11
Perennial in zones 8-9
Annual in all other zones
22 comments:
What a beautiful flower! I've never seen anything like that. I can see why hummingbirds might come around for that. :)
I'm so excited to see it finally bloom. I don't know what took it so long.
I've never heard of this plant before. I really like those tubular blossoms; I can see, too, why the hummingbirds would be attracted to it. I'm not sure what zone you are in; will this come back next spring for you?
Susie, I can see why you wanted one of these. It is beautiful! I've not seen them for sale up here, but maybe that's because they take so long to bloom. I hope it comes back for you next spring. Let us know.
Hi Susie, Thanks so much for popping by our blog and entering the bag giveaway. You have a really lovely blog and I see we have the same "Boss"! Blessings :)Kylie
Oh how pretty. I've seen Angel's Trumpet before (white, peach & yellow) but never one of these. I love the color. Is it fragrant?
They look very attractive. And I love the colour!
Love it. Waiting till now to bloom, makes it the star attraction, which is probably what it planned all along.
MMMMMM. That looks like the Datura that I have....same family? Very pretty.
Rose-Our zone here is borderline between7b and 8a. This does come back for me which I was so excited to see. After a heavy frost takes it I will cut it down and keep it mulched.
Beckie-I had never heard of this plant before either. When we got them in last year I thought it was very interesting.
Kylie-First of all thanks for having the giveaway, those bags are so cute! I wish I was a craftier person. Secondly, thanks for visiting my blog and yes I noticed on yours as well, we do have the same wonderful Boss.
Mildred-No fragrance just beautiful grape colored blooms.
Kanak-That color is pretty. That is why I loved it. But unfortunately so do those big green caterpillars. They can strip it of its foliage in no time.
flydragon-I never thought of that but she kind of is prissy. She wanted all that attention to herself.
Darla-I was surprised to find out it was related to Angel trumpets. The blooms are just a lot thinner.
oh purple is my favourite colour in and out of the garden. i like this deep hue. i am glad you rescued her. enjoy!
Thanks Marmee-I will definitely enjoy until Mr. Frost comes along and takes her on a journey with him.
Oooh pretty!!
Susie, I just love the way you are able to "rescue" so many of your plants. Is there an earlier post where you tell what your job is? I need one like that. lol
This one is quite unique the way the clusters hang in tubular fashion. I'm wondering if I've seen it before (given it is actually suitable for my zone) and maybe just haven't paid attention. hmmmm... that's very possible.
Have a great Saturday... I'm heading out to the garden. (step away from the computer)
DP-This plant really is pretty. I'm hopeful the rose colored one will perform better next year.
Meems-I work in sales/customer service at a retail nursery. One of the perks is getting to rescue "throw away plants".
I know what you mean about stepping away from the computer. It's like our fingers are glued to the keyboard! Enjoy your gardening.
What an interesting plant Susie! I've never seen this particular perennial before & the purple clusters of blooms are pretty. I bet it will be a real hummingbird magnet with those tubular shaped blossoms. Is it a herbaceous perennial in your area?
Racquel-It is a herbaceous perennial for this area. It is suppose to bloom during the summer though so I'm not sure what I will do to it next year to try to get it blooming right.
Hi Susie! I have an award for you at my Dancing With Daisy site. :D
What an unusual bloom, lovely! I so wish I were a better gardener!
This is beautiful and unusual looking! You have a great blog and I've enjoyed looking until now it's time for bed!
If this plant is potted, you can bring it inside as a house plant, because essentially this is a tropical plant. I know a few people who have Iochroma and they have it being evergreen all year long.
I have just sowed Iochroma Australis and they are just little seedling in four little pots, but I have big plans for them in the future!
Thanks so much for sharing information (and great photos) about your Iochroma australis
experience. I've been searching the internet over to find seeds, but no one has them - only pictures. Would you share where you purchased yours? If you're ever interested in selling some of your seed, please let me know. I have some photos of my garden @ pbase.com/christopherthompson - click the "Places" gallery and then "My Yard." Thanks again -- awesome blog.
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