Temperatures remain very warm — but things are about to change. ADVERTISING Temperatures remain very warm — but things are about to change. Fall officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, as the sun has moved south of the equator. The
Temperatures remain very warm — but things are about to change.
Fall officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, as the sun has moved south of the equator. The autumnal equinox for us is the vernal, or spring, equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. As the sun moves farther from us, days are shorter and plants tend to slow their growth.
Living in Hawaii, even though we don’t see the brilliant fall colors ablaze in the forests and gardens of the mainland, we can improvise.
This year, with all the rain the Big Island has gotten, even West Hawaii is green. So, now is the time for nursery and garden store shopping. You can find some great ideas for bringing the feeling of fall into our gardens.
Where nights are cool and days frequently cloudy, try some of the fancy new impatiens hybrids. The New Guinea hybrids are especially attractive. These new hybrids are much more compact and flower abundantly. They come in all flower colors and also have multicolored leaves. Other impatiens on the market are the traditional types hybridized to be compact and floriferous.
Fall in Hawaii is colorful with African tulip, Timor shower, rainbow shower and even the royal poinciana trees in late bloom. Also flowering now are several species of Bauhinia, or orchid trees. One seldom seen here but common in cooler regions of South America is the silk floss tree, or Ceiba speciosa. This close relative of the kapok tree is rare here but popular in Southern California. Some Hawaii nurseries will bring it in on request from California nurseries. Your garden could be even brighter with the addition of crotons, bougainvillea and hibiscus just to mention a few.
Besides the many available tropical flowers, ornamental trees and shrubs, you also might consider colorful annuals and perennials to brighten your winter garden or lanai. Many of the annual summer flowers prized most on the mainland are at their best here between November and May.
These annuals usually are tolerant of cool weather. Since winter temperatures never get extremely low, they thrive here, especially at higher elevations such as in Waimea and Volcano. Some, including the marigold, are great all year. They are especially good for sunny drier locations.
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The marigold is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It grows well and is popular in every state and every civilized country of the world.
When Cortez conquered ancient Mexico, he found marigolds growing there. The gorgeous golden marigolds were so beautiful that he took seeds with him back to Spain. There, marigolds became the favorite flower of the devout to place at the altar of the Virgin Mary. Because of that, they were called Mary’s gold.
In India, marigolds are the favorite flower to put in lei to place around a person’s neck to indicate friendship, and because of that they have become known as friendship flowers.
Many different types of marigolds, from big flowered American and smaller flowered, so called “French,” odor and odorless, are available at your local garden supply store.
Marigolds, zinnias, petunias and many other annuals with bright blooms are natural for adding color.
You also can expand the beauty and interest of your floral borders by including low maintenance foliage plants. What are some of the best to add color and texture contrast?
Coleus immediately comes to mind and is probably the most popular. Little wonder — it’s so versatile and vivid. The plants with their brilliantly patterned leaves are flashy in sun or shade. You’ll especially appreciate how coleus can transform problem shady spots into a rainbow of color.
Use it to beautify areas along the north or east sides of your house or garage or in containers on shady porches or patios, even under trees. Coleus also can take direct sun in cooler gardens. Coleus is just as much a favorite houseplant as it is a garden subject. They thrive in pots and are easy to propagate by cuttings. Other favorites include the many varieties of begonia, canna, caladium and geranium.
Check out the vast array of seeds and bulbs available at garden shops.
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How about a temporary hedge or background for annual flowers? Kochia, commonly called burning bush, might be just the answer.
The symmetrical plants grow about 2 1/2 feet tall, are oval shaped and resemble small ornamental evergreens. An added bonus is that their fine, light-green foliage turns bright crimson-carmine in cool weather
Here are some other interesting foliage annuals you’ll want to consider.
Euphorbia, or Snow on the Mountain. This is easy to grow in dry soil and attractive with its refreshing green and white leaves on plants about 2 feet tall.
Santolina chamaecyparissus, or lavender cotton, makes a nice low hedge. Plants grow about 18 inches tall and have finely divided, aromatic, silvery-gray foliage and small globular yellow flowers. Handled as an annual in the North, this is a perennial in Hawaii.
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You can sow seeds of such annuals in boxes, pots or outdoors. If you use some sort of container, make certain the drainage is good. You can sow the seeds in vermiculite, peat moss, sand or mixtures of these. You also can buy plants already started at several garden stores and nurseries in the area.
If you start your own plants, water them, when seeds are in place, then cover containers with a piece of glass or plastic and place in a protected location away from direct sunlight. In a few days, the seed will germinate and more light will be needed to prevent leggy and poorly colored seedlings.
When the first pair of true leaves develop, it is time for transplanting. Set the tiny plants in pots or plant bands. Later, plant them outdoors in their permanent location.
Using your creativity, you can brighten your home and garden from fall until spring.
For other home garden questions, call the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Master Gardener helpline in Hilo and Kona.
