5 replies to this topic

[Martin Hingst]

I came across the genus Lechenaultia some years ago, in a publication about the flora of WA and got immediately excited by the colours. Having seen them in reality, I can only say that all pictures stay far behind the real colours. Same must be true for my following pics... In the field they look as if someone hat turned the colour saturation level to maximum. And too often my camera chip did not manage to get any sharp picture of it, esp. with L. formosa.

They would make great companion plants to a cp collection. Unfortunately, plants cannot be obtained outside Australia, and the Australian nurseries do not send overseas. What a pity, esp. as seeds are difficult to germinate. So lets stay with the pictures.

First species is L. biloba. The common name is mirror of heaven. Good name.


Esp. in the evening light the colours look unreal, and the sensor failed to resolve any finer structures.


A bicoloured form, less vibrant but also pretty:


Next species is L. formosa (hopefully there is no other species within the following pics, as there are similar species and I am no expert)

What a colour:


Big flower on a tiny plant:


Another nice thing with Lechenaultia is the growth habit -cplants often form beautiful compact bushes or patches:




Next one is L. tubiflora. Very variable in growth habit and flower colour, it forms little bushes or pretty patches and comes in colours from white, yellow, orange to red and as unicoloured, bicoloured or tricoloured plants. Here some forms I could find:











Both formosa and tubiflora side by side:



Last species I'd like to show is L. linarioides - once again totally different, and once again very special in its colour:





Hope you like them as I do!

Regards

Martin

Edited by Martin Hingst, 07 November 2011 - 21:56 PM.

[TheInactiveMoth]

When you said a feast of colours, you weren't lying!

[PofW_Feathers]

Dear Martin Hingst-san,

Konnichiwa!

There are quite many cultivars (PVR: mainly L. formosa and L. biloba) in Japan.
I have some pictures. In someday, when occasion comes, I will send some pictures to you.

Kind regards from the Far East

Edited by PofW_Feathers, 08 November 2011 - 08:59 AM.

[Martin Hingst]

Dear Isao Takai,

thank you for the info. I remember many years ago it was impossible to get those plants commercially in Europe (at least I found no way) and a friend from the US told me the same over there. But you have a highly developed garden culture in Japan I know. So you are lucky to have access to those plants. Nevertheless it is a miracle for me why Lechenaultia is not far more widespread in cultivation - commercially and among hobbyists.

Thanks also for the offer to show me those cultivars - when even the natural plants look that fantastic, I am curious to see what could be achieved by selection.

Regards

Martin

[PofW_Feathers]

Dear Martin-san,

Konnichiwa!

Please visit the ICPS forum again.

Kind regards from the Far East

[mobile]

Absolutely stunning colours, I can only dream of what they look like to the eye. It's a real pity that they are not available in the EU.