Wachendorfia
Brook Klehm (Tue, 07 Jun 2005 19:36:56 PDT)

Here in rural Northern California, Wachendorfia thyrsiflora is a bit of
a weed (though not of the naturalizing sort). Seedlings appear
unexpectedly not too far from the parent clump. The seedlings need
removing so that they do not overtake their neighbors. I like to think
the leaves are bold rather than coarse, though I am not particularly
fond of the black tips of the leaves. While I grow mine on the
northeast corner of my home where the soil stays more moist, I can't
keep my garden consistently moist in our Mediterranean climate. This
does not seem to slow the Wachendorfia much. My plant is just
finishing its bloom with its foliage hidden in front by a willow (Salix
purpurea 'Nana') and and with a background of Berberis vulgaris
'Crimson Cloak'. Clematis 'Royal Velour' meanders around and amongst
the shrubs. It's a very colorful spot.
Brook Klehm
Sebastopol California, USDA zone 9, but on the cold side of 9.