It's a hot chocolate kind of day.
Cold, with heavy snow & temperatures falling.
No better time for a tropical escape via my latest bloom:
Passion vine 'triloba,' purchased last weekend, when I stopped by one of my favorite greenhouses (The Flower Bin) just for a winter pick-me-up. Compliments of their "sunny" money program, this healthy size vine was acquired for only $15.00!
I think it will be worth every penny in the coming days as the buds unfurl and transport me away from present reality. It's loaded with buds too so combined with the orchids and amaryllis, I'm going to sail thru January in good spirits. (or so I hope!)
I promise to keep it contained Janet ~ although as you probably already suspect ~ it will never be planted directly in the garden considering our harsh zone 5 conditions.
Too bad these extravagant blooms only last a single day.
Seems like such an intricately composed flower would be worth at least a couple days viewing, doesn't it?
Passion vines have the most amazing blooms on them. Yours is a color I have never saw before. Just beautiful Kathleen!
Posted by: Lona | January 09, 2011 at 10:22 AM
So, so pretty!
Posted by: Victoria | January 09, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Thanks for the plug. You certainly picked a beauty of a bloom. Mine was the native one ....and it sure loved to roam.
That first picture looks yummy.... might have to have some tomorrow while I look at the snow. Cross your fingers that we have power.
Posted by: Janet | January 09, 2011 at 04:02 PM
The passionflower is magnificent! So showy. The hot chocolate looks good too.
Posted by: Sweetbay | January 09, 2011 at 07:24 PM
I'm glad you aren't planting it in the ground, because I was going to warn you against it! My hardy passion vine is trying to take over, and I'll probably take it out next spring. It bloomed beautifully the first year I planted it, then the next year, not a bloom in sight. It's quite a thug.
Posted by: RobinL | January 09, 2011 at 08:12 PM
It's beautiful! I never thought of having a tropical vine as a houseplant before. I'm sure it will help you think of warmer days while it's so cold there.
Posted by: Catherine | January 09, 2011 at 08:35 PM
What a creative post! We're having a lot of hot chocolate days around here, too. Thanks for sharing the tropical blooms. As always, your photography is fantastic!
Posted by: PlantPostings | January 09, 2011 at 10:02 PM
I agree: That passion flower is so complex in design that for it to bloom only one day seems a shame!
Also? Your hot chocolate looks delicious. :)
Posted by: Kala | January 09, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Beautiful passion vine, Kathleen...and the hot chocolate looks yummy too! You got a great bargin on the vine. I would love a resource like your greenhouse, The Flower Bin, in my area. I'm afraid I would be spending way too much time there.
Posted by: Ramona | January 10, 2011 at 05:12 PM
What a beauty, glad she will brighten your winter days. :)
Posted by: Racquel | January 10, 2011 at 07:04 PM