Despite the recent cold spell here, and two weeks spent in the moving truck last month, some hints of Spring to share with all in the dead of Winter, Enjoy.

Dendrobium kinginum x speciosum


Laelia anceps, a little later than usual


Caesalpinia Mexicana (Mex. Bird of Paradise)


Tillandsia duratii. Wasn't sure if the flower spike would hold up through the move. Glad it did, Lanai smells like Grape Soda atm.


Cascading type of Cymbidium cultivar. can't remember which one atm.


While I still question the species name, it was labeled as Brunfelsia pilosa when I picked it up 4 years ago here in FL. Flowers almost year round, and held up well back in CA.


-Nathan-

No being in Zone 10, I have no pretty pictures like those, but I sure got the spring fever. Spent the whole day pruning and cleaning.

Keith, I hear ya, scratched up chins = two days spent helping our landlord clear out 5 years of undergrowth along the property line here. Ready to throw a few things in the ground to dress up the yards and get a fire pit built. Bring on spring!!

-Nathan-

Thanks for the colorful and spring-like flowers! I have some cymbidiums developing buds, keeping my fingers crossed.

Got shot of the Brunfelsia habit and leaves? I used to have most of the whites (and could sort of ID 'em by foliage and habit.) Might be a bit rusty now tho...

Ken (fastfeat)

A few pictures of this Brunfelsia. Some extra observations: Flowers on and off only on new growth. Flowers open White and fade to Yellowish-orange over the course of a couple days. Powerful Clove/Gardenia fragrance detectable from quite a distance on warm/humid evenings. Handled temps down to 29F with only some minor tip damage, moderate leaf drop. Hope this helps

-Nathan-

Looks much like what I called/had as B. plicata. There are about 4-6 rather similar white spp. with very similar flowers. I basically ID'ed based on how they were tagged rather than investigate/dispute the nomenclature. Maybe Eric or someone else may have more info.

Most of these are undeservedly under-utilized in CA landscapes. Will tolerate several degrees of frost w/o damage (and likely sprout from base in hard freezes.) The nighttime fragrances (esp. near a door or pool) are definitely worth any occasional frost damage, IMHO.

Thanks Ken,

Agree that there are several species which are similar enough that determining the exact species can be challenging. Would like to hear what input Eric or Jerry might have to add.

Either way, was hoping to take cuttings and distribute some to friends/collectors while back in CA since yes, even if it gets knocked back, its up and flowering by the following summer. Fragrance is definitely worth any trouble. A Brunfelsia that makes the common Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow look kinda boring, imo.

-Nathan-