February 22, 2023

Name That Plant (and That Pollinator)

Plant and Pollinator


Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum)
Horsefly-Like Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa tabaniformis)

14 comments:

  1. I'm impressed. I have lots of trouble identifying my garden critters unless.

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    1. It took a while. The Texas Mountain Laurel was a little earlier because I was aware of it, but the bee was one I don't remember seeing before.

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  2. I love that burst of purple.
    We received 6 inches of snow so far, more to come this afternoon.

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    1. They are beautiful trees! I'm glad we're missing some snowstorms while we're away. Soon we'll be home...hopefully the worst of winter will be done!

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  3. The Texas Mountain Laurel is something I'd really like to try growing here. As I recall, my Sunset Garden Book said it was possible but I've literally never seen the plants offered locally, which isn't a good sign.

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    1. Ah, lucky you! It wouldn't survive my climate, but I'm certainly enjoying the trees, flowers, and scent while I'm visiting here. :)

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  4. As I recall they were here and there in Austin, though out of flower at that time. Very nice shrub/tree.

    You got a great shot of the flowers and the bee.

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    1. Thanks. Just a little teaser. We're in San Antonio, but we'll be heading home soon. I'll have more coverage in the weeks ahead. Yes, the trees have beautiful shapes and foliage, too.

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  5. Hi Beth ... wow ! that flower is gorgeous with the intense colour , no chance of me knowing what it is of course .. LOL
    Is there any kind of trick to planting Millennium allium ? .. I'm driving myself crazy trying to think if I did something wrong with the planting last year .. and hoping maybe something will show up this year (against all odds mind you ! LOL)

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    1. It's Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum) and a Horsefly-Like Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa tabaniformis), native to Texas (where we are; but soon heading home). Re: the Millennium Alliums...they like sun to partial sun. My garden isn't the best for them, but I have them in spots with partial to mostly sun. Other than that, they seem pretty adaptable. Mine have filled in more over time...maybe yours will make an appearance this summer?

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  6. Beth, thanks for sharing the flower.
    As you know, it doesn't grow in our area, but would be nice to have it.

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    1. Yep. We're in Texas, where they're native. I wouldn't try to grow them in our climate--they wouldn't survive. Beautiful and pungent blooms, though. :)

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  7. Carpenter Bees - UGH! We have them and they bore holes in the wood on our deck and fence posts around the field and eventually destroy them. The deck steps are leaning dangerously to one side and the last quote to fix it was $20,000 just for labor. Eventually we will have to get it repaired but for now we are using the front door.
    You can keep the bees.
    Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry

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    1. Beth, just checked back to see if there were any new posts and wow, I sound snarky. Sorry, but I still don't want your carpenter bees.
      Jeannie again.

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