Lasting Landscapes by Carol

Hot and Stinky

We experienced our first heat wave in the Philadelphia area last week. I felt the tropical humidity bearing down on my skin as soon as I walked outside. Despite my disdain for oppressive heat and humidity, I guess ‘hot and sticky’ is better than ‘hot and stinky’. Unless you are a plant of course.

The foliage and flower of Amorphophallus are hot, but the scent? That’s where the real stink comes in. Also known as corpse plant, Amorphophallus are designed to smell like rotting flesh to attract their pollinators, the flies. Flies are drawn to the scent and in turn pollinate the flower.

The good news is the stink is short-lived. But it is powerful. A few years ago, Longwood Gardens displayed Amorphophallus titanium or Titan Arum to the public. People lined up for days to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Visiting the Amorphophallus titanum at Longwood a few years back. Required mask wearing at the time lessened the stink.
Lasting Landscapes by Carol
The Longwood Gardens Titan Arum in its full glory.

Some of my plant collector friends seek out unique specimens of Amorphophallus, sometimes known as the Voodoo Lily. More rare forms have remarkable foliage, spectacular flowers or both. Amorphophallus are fascinating plants since they don’t typically bloom every year and experience alternating periods of dormancy and growth. Plants grow up to ten feet tall making them the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Amorphophallus declinatus is a little know species. In this photo by Bridget Wosczyna, the flower unfurls in a dramatic display.
Lasting Landscapes by Carol
The flower of Amorphophallus declinatus. Photo by Bridget Wosczyna.
Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Amorphophallus konjac Shattered Glass has a beautiful form and variegated foliage which adds more interest. Photo by Bridget Wosczyna.
Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Shattered glass leaves are very showy with noticeable variegation.
Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Amorphophallus atroviridis shows off gorgeous leaves and a stunning flower. Photo by Bridget Wosczyna.
Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Amorphophallus bulbifer. Photo by Bridget Wosczyna.
Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Close up of the bulbil that develops on the stem of Amorphophallus bulbifer which develops into another plant. A very creative way of producing offspring. Photo by Bridget Wosczyna,

When I look at Amorphophallus I find it hard to believe the flowers are real. I’m also amazed by Mother Nature’s design to create that something so beautiful that smells so awful. While I don’t intend to collect Amorphophallus or add one to my landscape, I’ll continue to be wowed by their form and function. Maybe one day I’ll even travel to a part of the world where I can see them growing in the wild on the limestone cliffs in Thailand or in the hot and humid climate of Sumatra. If you have the opportunity to see an Amorphophallus in bloom and take a whiff, go for it. Trust me when I say it’s an experience you will never forget.

 

 

Lasting Landscapes by Carol

One of a Kind

I am blessed to have come in contact with some amazing plantsmen and women over the years.  People who love plants, know plants and most importantly share plants!

Today I’ll expose you to some of my unique and cherished specimens. While somewhat hard to find, these plants are available.  As with most things in life, it’s all about leveraging your network.

My friend Andy, who owns Sam Brown’s Nursery, is a plant savant and I’m not the only one who thinks so. I shop at Andy’s nursery and he has helped me find some unusual and interesting plant material.

Andy patented Metasequoia ‘Soul Fire,’ a tree with golden needles that lights up the garden and immediately draws your attention. According to the Plants Nouveau website “each spring, bright, lime-green needles emerge with a rosy-orange frosting, making for a two-toned effect. As the summer days grow longer, and the heat and humidity pick up, the needles change to bright, chartreuse and don’t fade until fall brings on a bright, orange hue.” I adore this plant, its changing color scheme and its fast growth.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Metasequoia ‘Soul Fire’

I’m a sucker for any plant with variegation, so I was thrilled to find a variegated form of our native ginger (Asarum canadensis). Asarum is a great ground cover and excellent shade garden plant made much more impactful when adorned with splotches of white.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Asarum canadensis variegata

Another plant I love was sourced by John O’Brien of Connecticut.  ‘Carol’s Limelight’ Daphne is a sport of Daphne Carol Mackie. I purchased this special beauty at the Galanthus Gala in Downingtown, PA in early March in my quest to have yet another plant named Carol.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Daphne ‘Carol’s Limelight’

I learned about Calanthe discolor in a class I took at Longwood Gardens.  I ordered mine from Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina and had it shipped. While it doesn’t look like much now, I look forward to the flowers this plant will share with me in the future.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Calanthe discolor

Far Reaches Farm was the provider of my Pachyphragma macrophyllum, a great shade plant for dry conditions.  This evergreen plant chugs along, looking great all season and showing off some pretty spectacular flowers. While related to the invasive thug, garlic mustard, Pachyphragma is a well-behaved cousin.

Lasting Landscapes by Carol
Pachyphragma macrophyllum

While it is easy to hop in the car and head to the local nursery or big box store for plants, I encourage you to seek out a few ‘one of a kind’ plants for your landscape. Try mail order suppliers and attend local plant sales hosted by plant societies. And of course leverage the expertise of your gardening friends.