Coral plant, Russelia equisetiformis, is a rush-like shrub with slender red flowers resembling firecrackers. It blooms throughout most of the winter providing a cheerful green with red color combination, while the butterflies attracted to it add other colors. Although it originated in Mexico, it is adapted to Florida winters as and summers and is considered a Florida native. Planted in locations to allow the long slender branches to spill over shows off the graceful structure of the plant.
Midsummer I planted two ornamental sweet potato vines in shallow pots at the base of the large wood box in the back garden. They are gradually spreading down the incline and are climbing up into the box. I love the dark color of the leaves since they contrast with the green of the surrounding ferns and bromeliads. The sweet potatoes are rooting in the ground, so they will reappear again next spring even if there is a strong freeze this winter. Growth has slowed since temperatures are cooler and there are fewer rains, but they continue to look healthy. Next summer I will add some of the light green variety. I see them used often as a ground cover so will tuck them into a section of the garden on the side. I’ll probably start them in pots as I did this year and will let them spread from there. For more information about ornamental sweet potato read Ipomoea spp on Floridata.
I almost always carry my camera with me. Tonight I caught this anhinga drying her feathers after a swim at a local pond. The female does not have as dramatic coloring as the male but she is still lovely to watch as she dries.
(common names: water turkey or snake bird – Scientific name: Anhinga anhinga)
