Have you seen one of these before?
I hadn't, until I noticed in my brother Tony's garden a year or so back. I saw it again during my Christmas visit, and have been wondering ever since what it was and how I could find out. This weekend when the pups and I headed down to Ballina again, I asked Tony (now why didn't I think of that last time). He found the original tag, which made it easy.
It's
Aphelandra sinclairiana 'Panama Queen'. I love the sizzling tropical colour combination of the pink flowers with orange bracts. It's a tall shrub (about 9 foot). I brought home a piece, and this afternoon, I planted 4 tip cuttings and still have more temporarily in water. Here's hoping I get at least one plant. I think I have the perfect spot!
Although the pups and I only arrived late on Saturday afternoon, we packed a good walk, a garden tour, as well as a trip to the beach, into 24 action-packed hours. It was only five weeks since our last visit, but there was still plenty to discover in the garden, starting right at the front doorstep.
I think it is a Brassia Orchid. (whoops, turns out it was a Miltonia!) Tony gave a small plant in bud that he thinks is the same. I hope so, I love it. All will be revealed when it flowers: I'll keep you posted.
Here are a few more from his orchid collection.
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A late-flowering Dendrobium speciosum 'Zeloa'
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Another example of the variety potted at the front door.
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Onslow was quite oblivious of the Cattleya blooming behind him.
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Dendrochilum magnum was brought into the house while it flowers.
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| Another orchid indoors temporarily, Zygopetalum Blue Lake 'Atlantis' |
Back in the garden, many of the plants are in flower.
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| Fiddlewood Citharexylum spinosum |
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| Banksia |
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Hibiscus
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| Heliconia |
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| Heliconia |
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| Heliconia 'Golden Torch' |
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| Heliconia rostrata |