Category: Uncategorized

In full flower for the second time this year is Lyciainthes rantonnetii, a stalwart of color for San Diego gardens. Native to South America.

photo from C. Fitzgerald

Growing in the cleft of the rock in Joshua Tree N.P. is this young cactus, possibly Echinocactus polycephalus. The reddish hue is less commonly seen but may have been due to a recent rain and fresh growth.

Adenium obesum, the desert rose is native to the Sahel in Africa. It is a (worthy) challenge to grow outdoors in San Diego because it likes conditions to be hot and humid and the soil to drain well so that roots remain dry. The need for humidity and mild winter nights means a greenhouse is best, especially inland.  All parts of the plant are visually interesting (and poisonous) but the many subspecies, flower colors, and ability to cross-graft, make it a rewarding hobby plant.

A little exotic but worth attempting in San Diego. This is Cobaea scandens, also known as Cathedral Bells or Monastery Bells and is native to Mexico. It is a vine that may do better wrapping around another plant rather than on its own trellis. The flowers change from pale to darker purple so you can get a range of coloration.

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.