The Garden Buzz

Gomphrena 'Fireworks'

 Well, it's another gorgeous day in Tucson and a great day to be outside celebrating one of the most perfect months of the year in the Old Pueblo.   I'd like to share with you two plants that are really showing off their colors right now.  These photos were taken from a friend's home today.  The bottom pic is of the very common and lovely Tucson plant.....the Fairy Duster.  It makes a great statement in the garden as a small to medium size shrub.  During this time of year, you'll find lovely red blossoms surrounded by lots and lots of bees:)  It's an extremely xeriscape friendly plant and comes highly recommended by most Tucson gardeners. 

Fairy Duster

 Now, blogger friends, I need your help on this one.  I honestly don't know what this plant is at all.  But I can tell you that it's an amazing plant in pots.  This plant below is a top performer in the garden with full sun and lots and lots of blooms mostly all year round.  But because I don't have this plant in my own garden, I don't know what it is.  Any guesses?  I have cared for it during the height of our summer heat and continue to be surprised at how well this plant is doing right now!!!  I'd like to have this plant in our own collection here.   During winter, it goes dormant and is cut back, but in spring it grows out bushy and tall inside the various pots at my friend's house.  It looks similiar to a thistle, but I am stumped.  If you see this plant at the garden center, I highly recommend getting it for your summer and fall collection.  It's really quite beautiful.  More tomorrow.... 

Here's another shot further back...

Gomphrena 'Fireworks'