One of the first blooms of spring especially from an established plant. Although popular in North American and European gardens the Camellia originates from Asia.
image provided by S. Castellitto
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The most vivid dahlia of 2025. Dahlia’s are native to the highlands of Central America and are the national flower of Mexico. The range of sizes, colors and petal structure make them an enduring hobby. Here in San Diego it is best to dig up the tubers over winter both to protect them from the cold but also from ground grubs.
Pohutakawa, the New Zealand Christmas TreePohutakawa, the New Zealand Christmas Tree
Christmas in New Zealand is summer and everywhere around the coast you will see Metrosideros excelsa, the pohutakawa, in bloom. It’s relative, M. polymorpha, is native to Hawaii and can also be seen planted around Mission Bay in San Diego.
La Reine VictoriaLa Reine Victoria
An old Bourbon rose propagated in France and named for Queen Victoria. Original Bourbon roses derive from planned and spontaneous hybridization of roses on Reunion Island, known then as, Isle de Bourbon.
Photo from R. Gale