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The plants I choose for my garden are often beneficial for wildlife. I like to encourage bees and butterflies, so I choose plants which they, as well as I, will enjoy. This month, I've been a bit selfish and gone for a plant which doesn't mention bees or butterflies on it's information at all. Lewisia - Special Mix is a plant which I haven't come across before, and I thought it was so pretty that it was popped straight in to my basket.
It sounds like it's a plant which will go on flowering right the way through the season, so I'll get to enjoy it for some time, even if the bees and butterflies aren't so keen on it. It's a good job that I've got plenty of other plants in the garden for them to enjoy.
We bought some Lewisia last month and I posted about then ion 10 June, Lewisias don't like water sitting in the crown so ideally you need to plant sit on a tilt so water runs off.
ReplyDeleteOurs were flowering when we bought them and are just now producing a second flush of flowers so I have trimmed off the spent stems.
I remember the post, but didn't realise they were Lewisias which you'd bought. I really liked the way you've planted them up to avoid the water gathering in the crown. Thank you for the information, they're lovely flowers.
DeleteOh! I didn't know he gave that piece of advice... I must go shopping immediately! We try very hard here to select each plant on its merits for wildlife and so we find ourselves on the horns of a dilemma whenever we want a plant irrespective of whether it is a good food source or offers protection. We employ your reasoning, then watch the plant closely for any signs of wildlife! Enjoy your Lewisia!
ReplyDeleteIf Geoff Hamilton given a piece of advice, I have to take it, that's my excuse for a monthly shopping trip to the garden centre. I do hope the bees and butterflies will enjoy the plant as much as I do, time will tell.
DeleteThey seem to be quite tough too. I bought a small one last year at Malvern, it languished in its tiny pot until about a month ago when I finally planted it up. Now it is flowering its socks off.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know. It looks quite a delicate little thing, it's funny how looks are often deceptive.
DeleteI used to have some Lewisia - they seem to have vanished (as most of the things I plant seem to do at one stage or another). But they are very pretty. And I can see pollen on those stamens surely some insect is going to take advantage of it.
ReplyDeleteThat's just what I thought, though I haven't noticed anything land on it yet. It's a shame that your lewisia have disappeared, they're so pretty.
DeleteI think I've seen bees land on ours but I can't be sure!
DeleteThat's encouraging. I'll be watching it closely for all signs of bee life.
DeletePerhaps not the easiest of plants but well worth trying as they have lovely flowers. It'll be interesting to see how you get on. Although not specifically listed as beneficial for bees or butterflies it'll certainly attract some insects. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it must attract something, we'll have to wait and see. I've never come across this plant before so I'm looking forward to seeing how it does.
DeleteI hadn't come across this plant before so looked it up straightaway and found that it has an RHS AGM award as well as being very beautiful. I imagine it would look lovely in a container surrounded by other succulents - I can see why it hopped straight into your shopping basket!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it isn't just me who hasn't heard of lewisia before, I don't know how I've missed it on my previous plant shopping trips. I haven't planted it up yet, but I think it might look good in a container, as you say. I'll have to research some companions for it.
DeleteHi Jo that sounds like excellent advice I'll look out for Lewisia on my next visit to the local nursery, lovely to have a flower that lasts a wee while :-) x
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and leaving a comment. I'm really enjoying looking for a plant each month, I'm coming across some, like lewisia, which I'm not familiar with. It is nice to have flowers in the garden which last a while.
DeleteHow could the bees and butterflies refuse such a beauty, Jo? Great advice -- any excuse to regularly visit my favorite garden centers. P. x
ReplyDeleteI've no idea, perhaps it will become their favourite. I like a good excuse to go plant shopping.
DeleteThe pink Lewisia fits nicely with the theme of your blog page! :)
ReplyDeleteI think it does, perhaps that's why I like it so much.
DeleteThat is a beautiful plant, I've never had one of those so I'll keep an eye on how yours gets on!xxxx
ReplyDeleteIt's new to me too. It's been blooming beautifully in this sunshine, I do hope it lasts.
DeleteI LOVE this plant but it hates being watered. My sister killed mine that way unfortunately when she came to stay and watered my garden for me while I was out!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame. I shall remember not to overwater mine.
DeleteA new plant for me the Lewisia but one I may try for the lovely flower
ReplyDeleteIt was a new one to me too last year. I'm really pleased that it's survived and that it's flowering well again this year. As you say, it's a beautiful flower.
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