December 5, 2012

December Has More Than Two Colors

Things catch my eye. Today it was the apricot and peachy tones of Rosa 'Honey Perfume' still blooming at the gardens. It was not just blooming a little bit, it was covered in blossoms and buds.  By itself I am not sure I would have given it a second glance, but its neighbor's brought it to my attention.  The rose is surrounded by several dusty blue agaves, a patch of still colorful Itea virginica, and an especially spectacular Spiraea thunbergii 'Fujino Pink' with awesome fall color.


Rosa 'Honey Perfume'

Spiraea thunbergii 'Fujino Pink'

'Honey Perfume' is a floribunda rose with a very strong fragrance, long bloom time, and it has good disease resistance.  It is listed as only getting 3.5' tall by 2.5' wide, but the one I am smitten with is close to twice that size. Like most Spiraea thunbergii, 'Fujino Pink' is a very early bloomer, usually in February for us here in zone 8.  The flowers cover the stems and are a pale pink, instead of the normal white of the species. Even if it never flowered, I think I would grow it just to get such intense fall foliage. The ultimate size is often listed as 3-4' tall and wide, but like the rose, it does not read plant tags either.

I had thought my new life away from retail would make me more appreciative of the red and green season, but it seems I am still appreciating what fall has to offer.
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13 comments:

  1. Janet, The Queen of SeafordDecember 05, 2012 8:24 PM

    So are you carrying your camera with you every day at work? I can't imagine being there and not having my camera at hand. I love the fall colors.

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  2. JenDecember 05, 2012 8:42 PM

    it will take a couple of years, but I think you will eventually be able to enjoy the red and green season again, at least that was the case for my husband!

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  3. Phillip OliverDecember 05, 2012 9:26 PM

    That rose is just stunning against the backdrop.

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  4. JasonDecember 05, 2012 9:40 PM

    That is a lovely rose, I really like that Apricot color.

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  5. James GoldenDecember 05, 2012 11:48 PM

    Could I grow that spirea in zone 6, wet clay? I think not, but hope you'll tell me to try.

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  6. danger gardenDecember 06, 2012 12:38 AM

    You mentioned something about a.couple of agaves?

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  7. SybilDecember 06, 2012 8:41 AM

    Roses in December ... sigh ... chilly wind blowing here Les. Not a rose bloom in sight.

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  8. outlawgardenerDecember 06, 2012 10:06 AM

    Dusty blue agaves, apricot rose, and orange spirea, a stunning combination to be sure.
    And you get to work amongst all this beauty every day, you lucky dog! I'm also still finding a lot of fall color to apreciate and not quite ready for red and green yet.

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  9. RandyDecember 06, 2012 2:19 PM

    Honey Perfume, my just go on the must have list. Lord, like I actually have room for another plant. Time to move something I guess...

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  10. Janet/PlantalisciousDecember 09, 2012 7:45 AM

    Was somebody clever enough to plan that little combo, or is it happy accident? That Spiraea thunbergii fujino pink looks amazing clothed in fall colours, but it seems it is a stranger to the UK, I couldn't find a single online plant nursery selling it!

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  11. AnonymousDecember 10, 2012 8:15 AM

    Glorious! Roses are long gone here, but what magic to still have that where you are!

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  12. AnonymousDecember 11, 2012 10:22 PM

    I still have roses in December, but not as pretty as you have there. That is a beautiful color.

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  13. Sarah LaurenceDecember 15, 2012 10:42 AM

    How lovely to see blooms in winter! Thanks for sharing these images. Somehow it helps after the Newtown massacre to see that there is beauty in the world.

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