'Persimmon' Hibiscus

I almost titled this post "winter blooms" then I realized I couldn't do that because it's not even winter yet!  Although I've been really busy with holiday preparations it still feels like the garden has been OVER for quite a while already.  Anyone else feeling that way? 

Luckily, some tender tropicals are helping to fill the gap the garden left behind.  In my bathroom/greenhouse, a Clivia miniata bud scape is beginning to open:

This will be it's second time to bloom this year. 

Usually I bring my Clivias indoors (after summering outside) and take them straight to the basement for a forced dormancy period.

I followed this routine because I'd read to treat them similarly to Amaryllis?? 

However, this year I switched it up and went a whole different route.  Instead of to the basement, they went directly into my south-facing, glass block bathroom.

The results are going to make it hard to ever go back to the former treatment.

Maybe it would like a dormancy period after this bloom is finished?????  or should that whole idea be nixed altogether? 

Now, I believe the post title was actually 'Persimmon' Hibiscus, not Clivia miniata!??

I didn't fake you out, there IS actually one of those beauties to share!

How is that for a vibrant holiday kick off???

All that impact from such a tiny little plant!

Tiny but mighty ~ notice it's vigorous enough to produce quite a few buds!  ((my way of saying "you'll be seeing more of 'Persimmon'...) 

and finally, one last bloom (the first in a whole line-up, as most of you already know to expect!!)

An unknown Amaryllis, NOT 'Elvas' which I thought I had purchased.

Arrgggg, it's a pet peeve when the tags & bulbs are mismatched.... 

I know many people don't care about the names but having grown so many and for so long, I'm pretty partial to certain favorites & to new ones.   Oh well, whatever the name, it's the first Amaryllis bloom of the season and that makes me feel like it's officially the holidays!!!!  

About time considering we're about two weeks away from Christmas!!  Please tell me I'm not the only one who needs to get it together?!!!!

Comments

[Jennifer]

It is nice to have indoor plants to see you through the winter isn't it? I have a window ledge packed with cuttings and the ferns I brought in from the porch. I love the tropical oranges and your unnamed amaryllis is just lovely.

[Dana]

Whatever Amaryllis it is - it's beautiful! And lucky you having a Clivia blooming now. I never let mine go dormant - it's inside all year round and usually blooms twice a year. I'm still waiting for the one you gave me to bloom and hoping it does this Spring. Now, let's talk about that incredible Hibiscus!!!!! Where did you find that - It's stunning!

Hope we can get together next week - I'm missing you!

[Tatyana@MySecretGarden]

Kathleen, you are not alone! I'm still playing with my holiday decor and! cleaning the garden!
No blooms this December in my house, but all the houseplants, which vacationed outdoors in summer, look great.
I love your pictures - they always touch my heart!