PROPAGATION. Cuttings of rooting stems.
SPECIAL USES. Ground cover, rocks and walls. (Outdoors only in mild climates.)
Hoya bella Asclepiadaceae Wax Plant
Definitely a dwarf, as wax plants grow, and not climbing, as most others are, little H. bella has arching, rather than woody, stems with thick, heavy somber green leaves on either side and clusters of incredible flowers at the tips, porcelain-white, waxy, and fragrant, with a wheel-shaped purple “crown” in the center. Best in a basket because the flowers droop, and the view is prettiest from below.
CARE. Warm, needs fresh air, loamy soil, bright light, dry side.
PROPAGATION. Cuttings in spring.
SPECIAL USES. Good house plant.
Impatiens repens Balsaminaceae
This precious creeper bears so little superficial resemblance to the popular “patient Lucy” it’s hard to believe it’s a close kin. I loved it when I first saw it at the Montreal Botanical Gardens, and was delighted when it became available to us here. It is a creeper with red stems, plump button-shaped leaves, and yellow flowers.
CARE. Intermediate temperature, needs fresh air, humusy soil, bright light, moist.