Plant Highlights
February
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Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus
Highlight Month:
February
Nativity:
Bolivia to NW. Argentina
Growth Habit:
This cactus grows as a multi-stemmed shrub. The plant is densely branching at the base producing many stems that are 2 to 3 inches in diameter with 12 to 16 ribs.
Growing Requirements:
Fast-draining soil and full sun are required. Water regularly through the hot summer months. Protect from frost.
Features:
The numerous narrow tubular flowers appear nearly year round. They are bright pinkish red with a yellowish green tip.
Where at Lotusland:
Cactus Garden
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Begonia luxurians
palm leaf begonia
Highlight Month:
February
Nativity:
Brazil
Growth Habit:
This cane-type begonia grows up to 8 feet tall. Clusters of lightly fragrant white flowers appear from spring through fall.
Growing Requirements:
Grow in partial sun to shade in a protected spot; it will recover from light frosts. The palm leaf begonia requires even moisture to replicate its tropical forest home.
Features:
Distinctive leaves are the main feature of this begonia. They are palmately divided and reflexed, resembling miniature palms. This species is used frequently in Begonia hybridization.
Where at Lotusland:
Fern Garden
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Helleborus argutifolius
Corsican hellebore, holly-leaved hellebore
Highlight Month:
February
Nativity:
Islands of Corsica and Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea
Growth Habit:
Cup-shaped flowers with prominent creamy, pale green sepals persist for weeks from late fall to spring in Santa Barbara. The petals are reduced and appear as cone-like structures bearing nectar for visiting pollinators. In the garden, this plant will easily propagate itself from seed unless the flowering stalks are cut back before maturity.
Growing Requirements:
H. argutifolius prefers full sun to partial shade, is drought tolerant once established, and is hardy to USDA Zone 7.
Features:
This member of the buttercup family is one of fifteen Helleborus species. It is a member of the subgenus Helleborus, a group of four species with caulescent (above-ground) stems bearing leaves. The specific epithet, argutifolius, means “sharp-toothed leaves,” and references its glossy, evergreen leaves with serrate margins, reminiscent of a holly.
Where at Lotusland:
Japanese Garden
