Case in point: for those of you who read my last blogpost all the way to the end (ahm…it’s ok if you didn’t get that far; unlike so many things in life, you can always go back), I was waxing philosophically about how wonderful it is to stumble across a new plant that you don’t remember planting. Its seed could very well have taken years to germinate, or possibly have been planted by a bird. And I said something like, “We look forward to those [meaning, these seemingly unplanted plants that have a way of popping up where you don’t expect them] – and the challenge of figuring out what this ‘new discovery’ is at that time.” Actually, that is a direct quote.
And so here I am in the midst of one of these challenges, and I am scratching my head.
What the heck is this and where did it come from? How big will it get?
It popped up right next to a small Dunbar Plum tree, which is growing rather slowly because it was dwarfed by some medicinal Saint John’s Wort that appeared one year right next to it. So I moved the wort, and now there is this.
This thing looks very familiar, but I can’t say for sure what it is. It has deep-green glossy leaves and tiny tubular, almost waxy flowers that are very attractive to insects, including the honeybees. And hey, it blooms in February, which makes it worth keeping right there!
It is quite beautiful – but I am worried it could overcome the little plum, so somebody might have to move. I don’t see another anywhere else in the garden.
Ideas??
I am sure someone out there can help me identify this beautiful creature. Thanks!
Could it possibly be a yellow bush type honeysuckle?
https://www.google.com/search?q=yellow+honeysuckle+bush&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjM2uvW_qzRAhVE82MKHZQWBWYQ7AkIKA&biw=1280&bih=638#imgrc=elb3XpL0jxeR6M%3A
Hi Sarah – Actually, it was Daphne laureola. Check out our findings here: http://barbolian.com/daphne-laureola/ I, too, thought it might be something worth saving. Glad I got it out when I did. I did not want to leave! Thanks for the guess!
NOT a Rhody. More like a Sarcococca, but that’s not it either. I forgot the name but get it out of your garden while you can. Spreads like wildfire and has deep roots. Seeds everywhere.
Good advice! The info I am finding is NOT good! It is coming out today! Thanks!
I understand it may sound silly, but it looks like a baby Rhododendron to me, especially the leaves and stalk.
There are so many wonderful gardeners out there, I am sure you shall have your answer soon!
Thank you for all you do and all that you share.
Warm Regards,
Ms Kim Rutherford
It DOES look like the Rhodie family, doesn’t it! That was my first guess, too. But the flowers aren’t nearly as showy – plus, they are very wax-like. I haven’t found anything on the Internet yet to match it. Thanks for getting back to me on it. Glad you like the site. Would love to meet you one of these days!
Indeed, we share two very special and remarkable human beings: Gary and Victor! No one else is allowed to help me with Natasha’s Memorial Garden. We shall meet in the near future…I love your family!
Warm Regards, Ms Kim Rutherford
I am about to brew a new batch of “Jump Juice.” I had an extra bottle for you that I gave to Victor, but he moved before he had a chance. I have your name on one of the bottles coming up. 🙂 (and yes, those two are pretty special!)