Datura glowing at twilight
After a sunset that turned the sky gold last evening, I took a twilight stroll through the garden*, Ruth Wilcox-style, and stopped to admire several datura blossoms perfuming the air.
Still sparkling from an afternoon downpour, the plate-sized, horned blossoms unfurled as the moon rose.
Now bring on the sphinx moths.
*Plant IDs in the top photo: ‘Monterrey Frost’ squid agave (Agave bracteosa ‘Monterrey Frost’), Datura wrightii, ‘Frazzle Dazzle’ dyckia (Dyckia choristaminea ‘Frazzle Dazzle’), whale’s tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia), and silver ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea).
I welcome your comments; please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading this in a subscription email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post.
_______________________
Digging Deeper: News and Upcoming Events
Get on the mailing list for Garden Spark Talks. Inspired by the idea of house concerts, I’m hosting a series of garden talks by talented designers and authors out of my home. Talks are limited-attendance events and generally sell out within just a few days, so join the Garden Spark email list for early notifications. Simply click this link and ask to be added.
All material © 2006-2017 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
The variegated squid looks great with the Datura!
A happy accident! —Pam
That Squid does shine in the moonlight as does the datura. My datura isn’t making buds yet. It won’t be long.
A little heat is all you need. —Pam
That sounds magical! There is something very enchanting about the evening garden and watching it come to life with the night time pollinators.
Yes, and it’s a good time of day to enjoy our Southern gardens in the summer. —Pam
Datura is so gorgeous even when it isn’t in bloom! When I google it it’s listed as needing full sun, do you find that to be the case? I’m looking for an excuse to plant one but can’t deliver on full sun.
I have zero full sun, Wendy. I have a datura in the front garden that does so-so in bright shade. This one in the back garden gets dappled sun with a little afternoon sun — but still no more than part shade overall — and is blooming nicely. I say go for it. Just choose your brightest spot. —Pam
I can almost smell them from here! Such a tropical looking beauty. It’s amazing how those light colored flowers show up at dusk. Like little moons glowing on their own.
I love your description, Tamara, and they really are! —Pam