Hibiscus, Ft. Myers, Florida
I travelled to the Gulf Coast of Florida this week for a very brief family gathering. While I was away this area had a light snow—the first one this winter and I missed it! Except for a touch of white along the shady side of the road, the snow had disappeared by the time I returned home. As consolation the weather in Florida was beautiful and there were lots of colorful Florida tropical plantings, including Hibiscus, Begonia, Croton and a gorgeous shrub with red clusters of flowers I have since identified as Ixora coccinia.
A quick walk around my garden today revealed a scary number of weeds cropping up in the soggy flower beds. I pulled at a few of them but will have to make serious time to deal with them soon.
After the snow the Hellebores which began opening a week ago appear no worse for the wear. A small patch of Sweet Alyssum seems perky and fresh.
Along the back fence one of a small pair of Italian Cypress trees was leaning heavily into the other. It seems odd that the snow would have done that and I think pesky moles/voles are the culprits. I straightened the tree and tamped down the soil, hopeful the tree has not been damaged.
Near the front of the house Winter Daphne has begun to open slightly, releasing the first drifts of its delicious lemony fragrance for lucky passerbys to enjoy.
Daphne odora (Winter daphne)
Daphne odora (Winter daphne)
Daphne odora (Winter daphne)
Daphne odora (Winter daphne)
pbmGarden 
Stunning flowers…I miss the color!
Thanks Donna! Hope you get some great color soon.
This is one crazy year. The earliest I have ever seen Daphne start to bloom. Are you sure yours is ‘aureomarginata”? could it have reverted?
Sandra, you’re so right about the Daphne. I have one that is definitely variegated, but the ones in photos are from two newer ones. I’ve been incorrectly lumping them all together as ‘aureomarginata’ and I appreciate your help in identifying it properly. Thanks, Susie
They are such fabulous plants and not easy to find. When I first started the garden I wanted the pink flowering type but was only able to locate the white. Since then I have bought whatever I could find. The fragrance is so powerful I know when it blooms the moment I walk out the door.
Wonderful photos!
Daphne is available here in the garden centers from now to early spring usually, but I haven’t been looking for any special variety. So Sandra, can you tell me are mine the pink flowering or the white? They have started out very dark pink but are opening to white. Thanks!
It’s very hard for me to imagine such beautiful colour in the garden in January – those Daphne blooms are so pretty, and your Alyssum is already in flower too! Our garden is black and white at the moment! The hibiscus is a gorgeous colour – it reminds me of a Geum I have in exactly that shade. 😀
That Alyssum has never stopped blooming since I planted it last spring. It’s up next to the foundation of the house so it gets some protection but it is surprising to see it keep going. I like that Hibiscus color too. I’m not familiar with Geum so looked it up just now–seems like a nice perennial. Your things will be back in bloom in no time!
Lucky you, to have a trip to nice warm Florida!! Daphne perfume is divine, we have one perfuming our woodland, have to go there and have my daily fix!!
I imagine the Daphne is perfect in your woodland setting Pauline. Mine are opening slowly but I was able to catch that nice scent yesterday for the first time this year–heavenly!
Your post is very welcome – here snow is covering the ground and more is falling. That daphne is lovely and your photos do it justice. I can imagine that scent!
I glad you enjoyed seeing the Daphne Malc. Snow can be nice if you don’t have too get out and drive in it. I usually like to see it fall and then want it to disappear quickly. Your colorful stems would look nice against the white snow.
Take care. Susie
I too await spring… alas the joy these plants bring as soon as they show any bit of color! My friends in Raleigh already have winter aconite in full bloom… mine are just begining to emerge… have been jealous for several weeks! Do you have winter aconite? If not would love to share…. I’m in Wake Forest!
Taking a break from mulching today (trying to get a lot done ahead of the rain that is forecast) and saw your nice comment. Thanks for the offer to share winter aconite. I do not have any–only recently heard of it from reading garden blogs–so would welcome a bit of yours. So kind. Susie