Some plants are equally beautiful from above and from below...
Like Rhododendron 'Wine and Roses' for example. This was first sold a few years ago in large quantities as an all singing and dancing must have gift for mother's day. And why not being an evergreen, hardy plant with lovely bright pink blooms and deep green foliage.
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Another example is Brachyglottis repanda. The older leaves are rather large and glossy green while the new ones have a powdery, light brown colour to them.
Viewed from below, they are luminescent silver, even white...
I'm not sure whether the colouration of these leaves from below is still considered as an Indumentum. But I know the plant below, Rhododendron mallotum is.
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Fabulous colours!
ReplyDeleteThey are Jessica :)
DeleteAre those all plants that you have to get down on the ground to see underneath, or are they tall enough that you get to enjoy those undersides from a more comfortable position?
ReplyDeleteAll three are still short Alan so needs to stoop down. But they potentially will get taller :)
DeleteGreat bright color! Especially the orange underside. That gray lizard was a fun surprise, it's at home in your jungle.
ReplyDeleteThat lizard has fooled a few people Shirley :)
DeleteI'm especially impressed by the Rhododendron leaves. Finding the right placement to allow the plants to flaunt their flip side must pose a challenge though.
ReplyDeleteIt can be Kris, although they will eventually get taller so no need to stoop down :)
DeleteBetween the underside of leaves and the new growth on some shrubs, plants are just full of interesting contrasts.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Alison :)
DeleteYou've got some good ones that's for sure. I've passed on Rhododendron 'Wine and Roses' several times over the last few weeks. You've almost got me regretting that.
ReplyDeleteThere's always next time Loree :)
DeleteWow, so cool! Was not expecting that bright pink after the first few photos.
ReplyDeleteIt's also the only rhody I know that has pink leaves on the underside Amy :)
DeleteWow, I have never seen rhody lead color like that! That might turn me into a rhody lover . . .
ReplyDeleteDo get this one if you get the chance Heather. Who knows, it might lead you into getting more :)
DeleteGreat post! I shall be viewing from underneath, from now on, as well as from above! What hidden gems you have revealed!
ReplyDeleteBoth rhododendrons are hardy Jane, might do well in your garden :)
DeleteWow, now I wan´t those three plants, hahaha. They are great!! I´ve been with no internet last week because I went to the mountains in Spain...and I missed this!!
ReplyDeleteNot to worry Lisa, plenty of time to catch up :)
DeleteOne of my favourite upside down plants is Hedychium greenii - I call them lie on your back plants!
ReplyDeleteI love plants like that, that hide little secret delights if the wind catches them just right or you get down on your knees - a reward for weeding! The Hydrangea 'Chocolate' I bought last year has interesting undersides to the leaves, but I moved it further back after being frightened by tales of the height it can reach, so it will be a while before I get to enjoy the sight.
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