Grown from seed sent by André

[ideasguy]

André
This is the unusual plant which I grew from your seed.
What is it?

http://www.flowergenie.co.uk/images/20061022-rimg0144s.jpg

[greenfinger]

That, my dear, is Linaria triornithophora (mixed), a snapdragon with the form of three birds as the name tells us. Bought with Secret Seeds, Devon.
www.secretseeds.com

[ideasguy]

Absolutely correct. Thats it! Its a very nise flower, I have to say.
My, you shop around, dont you!

Matter of great interest - did you collect the seed you sent me from your own plants?

Ive had a look at the "Secret Seeds" web site and found this info:
Linaria triornithophora (mixed)
Family: Scrophulariaceae (Hardy perennial) Purple or pink yellow lipped flowers 2-3 inches long with brownish purple spurs, above whorls of grey-green leaves. Portugal, Spain. 90-1.2m (3-4 ft) Sun / loam. (30+ seeds)
Price:   £1.50 [Euro 2.25]
I'm pleased to see its Hardy, and perennial!
Thank you Andre!

[greenfinger]

Yes, I try out a bit of this and a bit of that, depending on personal interests varying in time.
The seed I sent you was harvested from plants I have grown from the seeds I bought.
It's an easy plant as it seeds itself and comes back in the same mixed colours.
Enjoy it!

[ideasguy]

Ive planted a few in mid border at the end of the season, only because I had cleared a space there. They hadnt produced any flowers at that stage, so I thought they were perennials and would flower in 2nd year, so I was surprised and pleased to see their pretty flowers appear.
I think it would be best at front of border. What do you think?

[greenfinger]

If you mean the Linaria, George, they are not exactly shrubby or strong looking. They are rather airy. Compared with a lot of other perennials they seem somewhat fragile, although they survive. I would give them a nice, not too limited place in front of the border.

[ideasguy]

Just to let members know that the 2006 seed exchange program worked!

In this carefully framed photo, you'll see Rudbeckia on the left, grown from seed sent to me from Greenfinger (Belgium)
Therea another Rudbeckia in another location in the garden grown from seed sent by Noideasman (Harry)



My boys rumbled that I was concentrating more on the plants in the photo rather that them, so, when I tried to arrange them so you could see the vivid colour in the Heart Garden through that Hornbeam arch in the background, they decided to grab the attention!


I mean I dont always concentrate on the flowers:

Gosh, how did those Dahlias get there 

[greenfinger]

Nice to see the children of my friends (and I mean the flowers and the humans).
George, did you try out the Linaria?

[ideasguy]

Glad you spotted my posting André. Didnt it do well!
Linaria - its no longer with me, I'm afraid. No sign of self seeding.

I'm really pleased with your Rudbeckia. Its been in flower for a few weeks now, and looking real good. I hope it continues to spread now its established.

Incidentally, that purple leaved Dahlia (in the picture with James in the bucket in the wheelbarrow) is a fantastic plant. Lovely deep pink with deeper pink centre.
I'm not sure of its name as it was a substitute for Bishop of Llandaff, ordered from Mr Fothergills!
Sometimes you get lucky!

[3fren]

Will send you some Peony seeds I got from North China two years back.
Tried to germinate it in Singapore, these ladies just refused to get up.

Peony is revered in ancient China till now - it is the Queen of flowers
They are very dainty and only open same time as the Cherry Blossoms - Spring.
I noticed that they use clayish soil..

Best of luck and let me know if you are successful.
 

[ideasguy]

OK Jessie, if they get here I'll give them my best try. I'll feel like a Plant Hunter, trying to raise seed from North China
Thank you for your kind offer!