now that it's almost September

a few garden favorites better get in gear or they won't make it to (let alone thru) their bloom cycle (at least here in Colorado where nothing is certain come Fall).  I'm not talking about your standard garden variety mums either ~ I'm talking about Tibouchina 'grandiflora' (glory bush):

which is loaded with buds but not one has opened this summer.  I overwinter my Tibouchina in the basement so if it doesn't do some fast accelerating, it might be hauled down there blooms and all.

I'm also waiting on Leonotis 'leonurus' and I'm actually confused why it's being beyond slow this year:

We've certainly had plenty of heat and sunshine.  By the time these buds open, the hummingbirds will be long gone.

Helianthus 'maximiliani' is a fall bloomer but usually there are buds along the stalk by now.  It's still in the growing stage, no buds at all, so we'll see what happens:

The passion vine planted along with Sweet Autumn Clematis on the side gate arbor has nary a bloom in sight:

The picture above was taken two weeks ago ~ it's hanging down the right side of the arbor now but otherwise remains all foliage.  Darn it.

The "morning glory" container is loaded with buds as well but no signs of flowers yet either.

It's going to be spectacular if/when it ever bursts into bloom.

I know it's good to have something to look forward to ~ but I can't help worrying when we reach this point in the season.  As long as Mother Nature doesn't have any unwelcome surprises up her sleeve, maybe they'll all be able to do their thing.

Crossing my fingers...

Comments

[RainGardener]

Oh Kathleen I can really understand how you feel since I've got a few that are slow too. Namely, Dahlias. Only 3 even sprouted and now there's a bud but it's going to be too late to bloom or at least to make it to Dinnerplate size. They made it to 'saucer' size last year and this year will be smaller.
But yours with all of your sunshine is really a mystery. Wonder what is going on? I know how disappointed you must be.

[Catherine]

I just saw Leonotis for the first time this week at a nursery. What a cool flower, hope we get to see it bloom on your blog.
Your arbor and gate are so pretty! I think I remember you putting that arbor in last year or so. Even if the vine doesn't bloom it still looks really good. My Clematis on my arbor is all foliage too, guess I'll have to wait another year for flowers there.
Hope your weather holds out long enough for your plants to finish blooming.

[RobinL]

I'm having the same problem with my passion vine, it's about to take over my garden, but not a bloom is sight!

[Dana]

I know Kathleen! What's up with so many plants not blooming this summer. My morning glory vine is beyond huge and I've only seen one flower. It is beautiful nonetheless, but it's disappointing to say the least. I'm already repotting things to bring into the sunroom. Today I dug up 4 hibiscus to put in a great container I got on clearance this morning at Lowes. I'm sure wishing I'd have bought more of those enormous bags of potting soil at Costco.

But your pictures are gorgeous as always and I love coming here to see what you post. Hope we can get together soon....

[Grace]

Hi Kathleen, My dahlias sure are taking their time this year and I've also got a Tibouchina in the slow lane. Weird, isn't it?
I think science has a long way to go in figuring out the mind of a plant.

[Racquel]

Hope they all burst into full glory soon! :)