I wanted to share a new photo of my plumeria. I ordered it from a grower in Florida and when I received it in late May, it was just a cutting, so I had to root it. This is a cultivar that has been developed especially for containers. I’ll bring it inside for the winter, follow the instructions and hope it makes it.
The flowers (which smell incredible) came first, then leaves started emerging about two weeks ago. I fertilize it weekly with a granular, high phosphorus fertilizer, again, following the instructions that came with the cutting and other information I’ve gleaned online.
Lest you think I am fixated on a single plant, here’s another summer favorite: cuphea, or cigar plant. These are grown as annuals in my part of the country, which is Zone 7, but in southern climates, they are evergreen shrubs.
This is an undemanding annual that also serves as a serious hummingbird magnet. I have another one on my porch so I can watch the hummingbirds up close as they probe the tubular, red flowers.
You can find more information on cuphea here.
Digging RI 
so envious of your sun conditions. You’re a caring plant mother; who wouldn’t want to bloom under your watchful eye and caring heart. Viva la summer, loving every moment here, hope you are too.
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I have had had a problematic growing season thus far, with numerous issues,not the least of which is an insect pest which has eaten the leaves of several plants down to the ribs. Not sawfly larvae, either. I am hoping whatever it is, it completes this destructive phase of its life cycle and moves on to flying – or whatever.
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My pests here are woodchuck and rabbit but the deer damage surprised me. This is the 1st time I’ve seen it in summer here. /// Grrrrrr is my response to your pest problem, frustrating. //// I really enjoy your posts, thank you.
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