Plant Highlights
October
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Euphorbia ammak ‘Variegata’
ghost euphorbia
Highlight Month:
October
Nativity:
Arabian Peninsula
Growth Habit:
Euphorbia ammak is also known as the African candelabra euphorbia (in spite of not growing on the African mainland), which accurately describes its growth as a central trunk with multiple branches. It can attain heights of 30 feet in its natural habitat.
Growing Requirements:
As with all succulent Euphorbia, the ghost euphorbia requires well-drained soil and full sun. This variegated form can tolerate some shade. Minimal water needs make it suitable for drier climates, but it can be successfully grown in a pot and protected from rain in wetter areas.
Features:
The variegation in this form is extreme, giving the whole plant a ghostly pallor.
Where at Lotusland:
Main Drive
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Begonia ‘Freddie’
Highlight Month:
October
Nativity:
Garden Origin
Growth Habit:
This begonia has large (about 1 inch diameter) creeping rhizomes. Large leaves arise along the length of the rhizome on long hairy petioles. Small, bright pink flowers are held in airy clusters above the foliage.
Growing Requirements:
Most begonias grow best in dappled shade or half sun and require even moisture. Brief exposure to light frost may burn the foliage. Freezing temperatures will kill the plant.
Features:
The large (up to 2 feet or more in diameter) leaves are glossy green on top and burgundy red underneath. This cultivar is a hybrid created by the famed Rudy Ziesenhenne by crossing Begonia manicata ‘Aureo-maculata’ with B. barkeri, and was named for one of his sons.
Where at Lotusland:
Fern Garden
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Quercus agrifolia
coast live oak
Highlight Month:
October
Nativity:
W. California to Mexico (N. Baja California)
Growth Habit:
Coast live oaks may grow to 50 or 60 feet, with a wide-spreading canopy many times that in great age. It is evergreen, dropping some of its old leaves in the dry period and growing new ones in the rainy season.
Growing Requirements:
This species is widely adapted; growing from the edge of riparian regions to grassy savannahs. It needs no supplemental irrigation, but can tolerate water in summer if given excellent drainage.
Features:
Oaks provide a multitude of resources to insects, birds and mammals. This month, the acorns are dropping; a major source of food for numerous insects, birds such as scrub jays and acorn woodpeckers as well as squirrels and other rodents.
Where at Lotusland:
Scattered throughout the garden, the oaks are a remnant of the native vegetation of the site. Lotusland staff protect and encourage seedlings that germinate in appropriate sites to preserve this resource.
