Lilies

Perhaps some of you read the recent post at http://freshdirt.sunset.com/ about lilies in pots. Well it got me inspired to try it! I do know that daylily rust is a problem in Hawaii, so I expect that to be one big challenge. Well, I've got to go and find some bulbs!

Posted by: Sunset, July 27, 2010
By Jim McCausland, Sunset Magazine

It turns out that among the flower bulbs, lilies are among the easiest to grow long term in pots. Add to that their summer-flowering habit, often-terrific fragrance, reliable reblooming, and imposing size, and you have a combination no deck or patio should be without. At the moment, I have eight terra cotta pots full of lilies coming into full flower for the second year in a row.

For the sake of experiment, I tried five varieties in several sizes of containers, including 9-, 12-, 14-, and 18-inch pots ranging in depth from 6 inches to 18 inches. There was no difference in performance among them. All the care I give them is regular fertilizing and watering, and the lilies do the rest.

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My First Cut Heliconia

When I planted this in the landscape several months ago, I was under the impression that it was a full sized heliconia.  However, it is a dwarf variety, most likely heliconia stricta 'Jamaican Dwarf'.  I can't complain much though.  They are great cut flowers that will last about 2 weeks.  There are three more flowers on the plant.  I just hope it keeps producing!

BEFORE - Heliconia in ground

AFTER - Cut and in a vase

CLOSE-UP

Check out this heliconia blog

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Native Hawaiian Hibiscus

Hawaii has seven beautiful native Hawaiian hibiscuses.  I purchased one yesterday at the local Pahoa Farmers Market (or so I was told it is one).  It already has a single trunk and I hope to continue to shape it as a tree.  Check back in a few weeks to see how it is doing and if it truly is a native.

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