With summer-like temperatures still present in the middle of October, there is not much one would think could be in bloom right now. I do recall, though, that in our old home’s front garden, Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) always beat the odds. These drought- and deer-resistant beauties continued to show their blue hues longer than most flowers. Although they are native to South Africa, they have adapted well to the Texas heat.
Before it is in full bloom, if you get close to the bush, you will see these beautiful stems ready to open up their gentle blue-lavender flowers. Nature’s precision and detail are gorgeous to examine. You really need to get down on the ground and close to it to admire it. Another way to appreciate their beauty is via macro photography. You can see what I am referring to in the second photo. You already have one flower open, a few other stems showing off their colors and yet to open, and several other green stems that will turn into future flowers.
What is so beautiful about these flowers is that no matter how many are in bloom, it seems the bush keeps flowering more and more. Take, for example, this next photo. You have a healthy cluster of flowers, and yet you can see new, unopened flowers towering over what is already there.
I must say that until recently, I had really not taken the time to observe these flowers. When you look at the first photo in detail, you can certainly appreciate the beauty of those tiny bits attached to the stems. They can be translucent and reflect more light from the surrounding area.
These shrubs, both perennial and deciduous, also have white flowers. In the northern hemisphere, they will bloom from April through September, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. They love partial shade and dry soils.
Finally, here is another shot, similar to the first photo, that shows several stems from a lower perspective. It is incredible how delicate the unopened flowers are.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Austin, Blue Plumbago, FlowerHour, Macros, Texas, and Wildflowers. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
For Terri’s Flower Hour #2.
Discover more from Through Brazilian Eyes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Foto bellissime e dettagliatissime.
Egidio Leitao
Grazie mille.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Stunning flowers Egídio and so beautifully captured with the light 😊
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Xenia. Much gratitude.
Hammad Rais
Gorgeous flower
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Hammad.
shoreacres
To be honest, I’ve never given these flowers a closer look, partly because their color doesn’t especially appeal. I have a friend who has them in abundance, so the next time I’m at her place I’ll be more attentive.
Egidio Leitao
I love looking at their details. I hope you’ll enjoy that, too. Thanks for writing.
Vicki
Gorgeous. I love Plumbago too.
Do you have the Chinese Plumbago in your state, Egidio? It’s a much more vivid blue like a blue sky summer day. I think I prefer the plain paler flower.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Vicki. I had not heard about Chinese Plumbago, but I did an online search. It said it’s well adapted in Texas, too.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Oh these images are gorgeous, Egidio! I adore blue or violet flowers. Glad these grow so well in Texas. What a great name for them, too.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you!