Sunday, June 05, 2011

Hidden Beauty

Sunday, June 05, 2011   Mark and Gaz   4 comments

As they say, 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' and that was the case with this lovely plant. I've near forgotten about it as it was hidden behind the ever increasing chalk rubble (see related blog) until I went 'round that area again today to dump some more rubble.

And what a treat, looking beautiful and flowering away despite the neglect and currently being in a spot that is away from easy view.

The beauty behind the rubble - Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Sweet Kate'

I purchased this whilst dormant in the bargain section of a nearby garden centre a couple of years ago, and shortly after I planted it on it's current spot as a filler plant. I wasn't expecting much from it but to my pleasant surprise, ever since it has been such a reliable, unfussy plant that flowers for weeks on end in the summer. 


I love the iridescent yellow foliage that catches the light, contrasting with the rich purple/blue colour of the flowers. A very bright, eye catching, and garden worthy plant that will look great on any herbaceous border (and hardy too!). 

Posted in: Tradescantia

4 comments :

  1. Esther Montgomery5 June 2011 at 21:28

    I'm not sure I like the heavy atmosphere of this plant and, apart from Forget-me-nots, I'm not a very blue-plant person - but I do find it interesting - and I don't think I've seem a flower of this shape before.

    Esther

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  2. Anonymous6 June 2011 at 02:37

    I too planted tradescantia last year and wish I did not. It is very aggressive but it does flower a long time. I am giving it this year to see if I am happier with it and can keep it under control. Otherwise, it moves on to the farm.

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  3. Hazel6 June 2011 at 04:01

    I love blue! You have to love a generous and unfussy plant. i haven't seen this one before.

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  4. Mark and Gaz8 June 2011 at 10:17

    Hi Esther, Donna, funny enough I was also thinking that this plant won't be everyone's cup of tea. The very bright yellow foliage alone won't be to everyone's taste. Despite the plant being readily available, maybe that's the reason why it doesn't always feature on most gardens. And I've heard reports of it being invasive especially on sandy soils. Great for illuminating a dark spot of the garden though :)

    Hazel, I love blue too and won't mind the odd blue flower here and there in the garden :)

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