There has been a morning glory, that I did not plant, growing under the bird feeder in the courtyard. I haven’t been able to identify it up until now because there were no blooms on it, but yesterday I noticed that a couple of very small white blooms were appearing. I did a Goggle search on white morning glory and identified this plant as a White Star morning glory (Ipomoea lacunosa). I was delighted to validate that it is a native species. It is working well as a ground cover in the spot that it is growing, is tolerating full sun and 100+ degree temperatures with very little water being applied. Although the blooms are not large and showy, they are quite beautiful.
White Star Morning Glory Close Up
White Star Morning Glory Wider View
Another native flower that has been growing in the front yard area for several years, and which I have successfully cultivated and propagated in various places on the property, is the Ruellia humilis. The one pictured below is growing along side one of the new courtyard raised beds in front of the Pink gaura which is draping over the edge of the bed into the ruellia.
Ruellia Humilis Amongst Pink Gaura Blooms
The Caldwell Pink rose continues to be a stand-out in the courtyard gardens.
Caldwell Pink Rose in July
We have the small planting bed surrounding the courtyard fountain ready for planting, but I will be holding off until fall to plant in this bed since it is in full sun all day long.
Courtyard Fountain With Surrounding Planting Bed
I have several varieties of dwarf fountain grass growing in the courtyard beds, Moudry, Hamelin, and Little Bunny, all of which are doing quite well for new plantings in full sun. The Moudry pictured below has just started to bloom in the past week or so, and is simply lovely. The foliage is lush and green, and the blooms are tall and striking already. In the fall, the blooms will turn much darker according to the information that I have read about them.
Dwarf Fountain Grass ‘Moudry’
We got an inch of rain from Dolly, and the gardens are refreshed for the time being. However, it looks like we have another stretch of hot, dry weather to look forward to for the next week or two. I am anxious for the arrival of fall, which can’t be too far away since NFL training camp has now commenced!
4 Comments To "Texas Native Volunteer Plants"
#1 Comment By Lori On July 29, 2008 @ 6:33 am
Wow, I can’t believe how much your Caldwell Pink rose has filled out. It looks gorgeous. I really like it with the purple heart, too.
We got a really nice rain from Dolly as well, but I have no idea how much. I really need to go get a rain gauge since it’s turning into an obsession around here. 🙂
#2 Comment By Carol On July 29, 2008 @ 9:34 am
Hi Lori, the Caldwell Pink has definitely passed the test of being a tough plant. I can’t believe it is so healthy in this miserable heat. Especially as a new plant just getting acclimated to my garden. I like the way it pairs up with the purple heart as well.
Here’s hoping for another tropical storm, 🙂 I think that is the only way we are going to get a break this summer.
#3 Comment By geneva chen On August 16, 2008 @ 10:42 am
what is your physical address and contact phone number
#4 Pingback By Lost Valley Gardens Texas Native Volunteer Plants | bird baths On June 14, 2009 @ 9:46 am
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