In early September the western side of the terrace is backlit by clear, late-afternoon sunlight. It catches each bristle on the seed capsules of the southern African milkweed, Gomphocarpus physocarpus.
Behind it, the lablab beans glow in the western light. Lablab purpureus takes is sweet time to produce flowers. Plant the pretty seeds it in late spring and expect the vine to become (very) enthusiastic only when Labor Day, and the traditional end of summer, are within whisker-reach. Then the party breaks loose.
_____________
Will you/Do you save the seeds of your milkweed to plant next year? I had never seen this species before so I went to a California nursery and ordered a plant :-) It seems that in my climate it might overwinter *and* self sow.
ReplyDeleteGretchen Joanna
I like to browse at (and support) some local nurseries and so I enjoy buying more established plants. If I had the space perhaps I would save and grow from seed. I think this milkweed (Gomphocarpus) could very very invasive in CA.
Delete