Flower of the Day - Gardenia

Flower of the Day - Gardenia

Gardenias have always been one of my favourite flowers with their silky white petals, glossy deep green leaves and intense perfume. Seeing the first gardenias in late November or early December reminds me that Christmas is approaching.

Flower of the Day - Begonia

Flower of the Day - Begonia

Flower of the Day - Aquilegia

Flower of the Day - Aquilegia

These lovely flowers may be single or double, in white, pink, red, mauve, violet or combinations of these colours. Aquilegia are also known as Columbine or Granny's bonnets.

Flower of the Day - Nodding Violet

Flower of the Day - Nodding Violet (Streptocarpus saxorum)

Nodding violets, also known as Cape primrose are originally from Tanzania and Kenya.

The seed pods of this plant are long and slender, like a vanilla bean, and the twist open longitudionally. The name Streptocarpus is from the Greek "streptos" meaning twisted, and "karpos", a fruit. The species name "saxorum" refers to it being found amongst rocks.

Flower of the Day - a drenched one!

After all the rain in Sydney over the past 2 weeks
 today's Flower of the day is a very drenched Gardenia. 

Flower of the Day - Pelargonium

Flower of the Day - Pelargonium

These pelargoniums have pretty coloured markings on the leaves.

Flower of the Day - Pelargonium

Flower of the Day - Pelargonium

The richly coloured markings on these pelargoniums are an attractive feature.

Flower of the Day - Pelargonium

Flower of the Day - Pelargonium

Flower of the Day - Pelargonium

Flower of the Day - Pelargonium

Flower of the Week - Pelargonium

Flower of the Day - Pelargonium

Pelargoniums, also known as geraniums are originally from South Africa.  They are easy to grow and come in a variety of colours and flower shapes. Many have fragrant leaves such as lemon, apple, rose, pine or mint scented.  The smaller flower in the picture is a Seaside daisy.


All the pelargoniums featured this week are grown by Janet, in Sydney.

Flower of the Day - Tea Tree

Flower of the Day - Tea Tree

A pretty Australian flowering plant to finish the week.

Flower of the Day - Flame Pea

Flower of the Day - Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum)

Chorizema is a vibrantly coloured orange-red and pink Australian wildflower, found naturally only in Western Australia.  It has 4 pea shaped petals approz 10-12mm across.

Flower of the Day - Leucospermum

Flower of the Day - Leucospermum

This striking flower, with its colourful golden stamens and stripy red filaments is originally from Zimbabwe and South Africa.  Leucospermum have become popular garden plants in regions with a warm and dry climate.

Flower of the Day - Blueberry Ash

Flower of the Day - Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)

Blueberry Ash is an Australian shrub with attractive fringed flowers in Summer, followed by round blue berries. The flowers may be white or pink.  The berries are not edible.

Flower of the Day - Gymea Lily (Doryanthes excelsa)

Flower of the Day - Gymea Lily (Doryanthes excelsa)

Gymea lily an Australian native, is a very tall plant that occurs naturally in the forests around Sydney and the east coast of NSW. Individual flowers are about 10 cm across. The vibrant red flower clusters are on stems 3 - 5 metres high. They are usually hard to photograph because of the height, however this one was leaning down because of the weight of the flowers.

Fruit of the Day - Lilly pilly

Fruit of the Day - Lilly pilly

These trees have lots of gorgeous purple berries in Summer -  I think the berries are just as attractive as, if not more than the flowers. The fruit can be used for making Lilly pilly jam.

Flower of the Day - Mini Orchid (Dendrobium)

Flower of the Day - Mini orchid (Dendrobium)

These mini orchids are Australian natives.  Each flower is about 3 cm (1.5 inches) across and grows in clusters on stems up to about 30cm long.

Flower of the Day - Rock Lily or Rock Orchid

Flower of the Day - Rock Lily (Dendrobium speciosum)

Rock Lily are Australian mini orchids that grow in tropical and temperate climates. This one, Dendrobium specious grows on the branches of trees or rocks and obtains nutrients from decaying material around its roots.  It does not grow well when planted in soil, as the root stytem is not adapted to constant moisture.  Each of the mini flowers are about 3cm (1.5 inches) across.

Flower of the Day - Australian pelargonium

Flower of the Day -  Australian pelargonium (Pelargonium australe), also known as Austral stork's bill

Pelargoniums and geraniums are grown throughout the world, but there are seven Australian species, such as this one, Pelargonium austral which has 5 white petals streaked with red.

Flower of the Day - Forest Indigo

Flower of the Day - Forest Indigo (Indigofera pratensis)

The genus Indigofera is named for the indigo dye that is found in some species of this plant. There are over 70 different species of Indigofera, about 30 are found in Australia.  

Indigofera pratensis is an Australian native plant with pretty pink pea shaped flowers and hairy leaves. This plant is naturally found in Queensland, Western Australia  or Northern Territory in sandy soils or grasslands.

Flower of the Day - Grey Spider Flower Grevillea

Flower of the Day - Grey Spider Flower Grevillea (Grevillea buxifolia)