Graptophyllum Is Graphic And Will Grab You!

Many years ago when I lived in Laos my yard there had these beautiful variegated plants growing in the form of large shrubs. Of course, here in Mississippi these tender tropicals must be kept as houseplants during the winter. For now, my two types of graptophyllums are basking outside and thriving in the summer sun and humidity.

Grappling With Graptophyllum

I never tire of the unusual variegated leaves of what some call the "Cariacature Plant". Each leaf is always a completely different random pattern.

Tah Dah....Look at me!

Bougainvilleas are so vain and always want to be noticed and be the center of attention. When variegated bougs like this one start to bloom, they certainly do catch your eye. In full bloom they are dazzling...almost like flashing neon lights at casinos.

Who spilled the bucket of white paint on my ginger?

This variegated ginger from Texas is new in my garden this year, and I look forward to its peachy flowers with gold throats. I think the professor, Dr. Moy, developed or found a real winner when he introduced this variety. No wonder he gave his own name to it.

Moss Roses....Not a rose is a rose is rose is a rose

It doesn't bother me that this old-fashioned plant is as common as pig tracks because it can flourish in the poorest soil with total neglect and nothing takes the wind out of its sails. I admire people and plants that triumph under adverse conditions.

Bougs are Blushing!

I like how the new growth on these variegated bougainvilleas are blushed with pink, which means blooms will soon follow.

Golden Sedum

I am so very pleased that this minature golden sedum from Japan flourishes in this hot and humid Mississippi climate. It looks great year round and I like it so much that one day I plan to have big pots of it in every bed and border here. From one tiny pot I bought two years ago, I now have ten. I wish my investments had a ROI like this!

Tango in the Tangle

Late summer always seems to find my beds overgrown. I need to tango into this rampant growth with a machete and/or pruning shears real soon.