It’s Halloween! Here are some Halloween-themed plants to get you in the “spirit”!
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| Lonicera reticulate, photo courtesy Plant Select |
Lonicera reticulata, Kintzley’s Ghost, was introduced by Plant Select in 2006. This lovely honeysuckle vine grows 8-12’ tall. The showy, tubular yellow flowers cover the vine in June. Each flower is surrounded by a large perfectly circular pure white bract. Amazingly, this bract holds its color throughout the summer into the fall before eventually fading.
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| Monotropa uniform, photo courtesy Wildflowers of the US |
Monotropa uniform, commonly called Indian Pipe or Ghost Plant. When first seen, Indian Pipe seems more like a mushroom or other fungus than like a true flowering plant due to the color - or lack of color. It has a stem, bract-like scales in place of leaves, and a single flower at the end of the stem. You won’t find it growing in Colorado although it is native in 43 states.
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| Graptopetalum paraguayense, photo courtesy FTD |
Graptopetalum paraguayense, commonly called Ghost Plant, is one of the most popular succulent plants used today. Chances are, you’ve seen it in the succulent gardens and indoor terrariums that have become so popular in landscape and home decor. It is one of the easiest succulent plants to take care of. Depending on the level of sunlight it receives, these plants can take on various colors ranging from blue-gray to pinkish yellow. When new rosettes form at the tips of its stems, its old leaves fall off. During springtime you can witness the ghost plant producing bright yellow flowers.
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| Snapdragon seed pods, photo courtesy boingboing.net |
Snapdragon seed pods - Many gardeners and horticulturists are fond of Snapdragons for their bright colors and fragrance—but not so many gardeners and horticulturists know about the dragon skulls that are left once the Snapdragon has gone to seed! Interestingly enough, in ancient times people believed Snapdragons held mystical powers, and that and that growing them in the garden would protect one’s home from curses and evil.
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| Hamamelis, photo courtesy gardenknowhow.com |
Hamamelis, Witch hazel, is a deciduous bush or small tree reaching about 6 m in height found in damp woods throughout most of North America. It has broad, toothed oval leaves, and golden yellow flowers. Brown fruit capsules appear after the flowers. The dried leaves, bark and twigs are used medicinally for skin conditions, including diaper rash; however, clinical studies supporting these uses are generally lacking.
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween!