Adenanthos cuneatus 'Coral Drift' 2019 Update

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Coastal Australian native Adenanthos cuneatus 'Coral Drift' looks particularly good this year.  This plant has gotten almost no attention since being planted, but slowly has become more and more beautiful with the passage of time. 
Merging with Grevillea lanigera 'Coastal Gem' on the right
 I could not remember exactly how long the Adenanthos has been in the garden, but the blog provided the answer:  July, 2011.  That's a fairly long time to ignore a plant.  It has never been cut back or groomed in any way. 

'Coral Drift' was long ignored because 2011 was the start of the miserable drought we suffered until the winter of 2016-17, (a drought that returned for a curtain call in the winter of 2017-18).  The plant spent the drought struggling to survive.  I discovered in 2013 its irrigation was cut off, and corrected that situation, enabling 'Coral Drift' to survive if not thrive.  It improved significantly due to the rainy winter of '16-'17, and became a real beauty thanks to the miracle winter just past.  

 You can be something wonderful without anyone noticing.  It happens with plants, as well as humans.   Those who bray for attention every moment may not be worthy of it.  Those who quietly get the job done are too often overlooked.

Comments

  1. Kris PetersonJune 26, 2019 at 8:33 PM

    That's a truly beautiful plant, HB. I can't remember running across it but now I'll be on the look out for it. 'Joe Hoak' makes a nice companion too.

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    Replies
    1. Hoover BooJune 27, 2019 at 7:42 AM

      'Joe' is such a looker. Though considering the pairing of 'Joe' with the Adenanthos, a 'Blue Glow' or parrasana may be as, or more effective. The Adenanthos foliage has silvery/blue which would be brought out more with a silvery/blue companion.

      Delete
    2. NellJune 28, 2019 at 9:53 AM

      Oooh, that would be exciting with 'Blue Glow', echoing the silvery blue and the red edge!

      Delete
    3. Hoover BooJune 30, 2019 at 2:47 PM

      When the 'Joe' is complete, 'Blue' will be the next companion.

      Delete
  2. Lisa at GreenbowJune 27, 2019 at 11:32 AM

    I like the way this plant curls its blooms. It is so unusual. I have never seen it before.

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    Replies
    1. Hoover BooJune 27, 2019 at 6:01 PM

      The pink is actually new foliage. The flowers are tiny little tubes, here's a photo:

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenanthos#/media/File:Adenanthos_sericeus_flower.JPG

      Delete
  3. Gerhard Bock (Succulents and More)July 7, 2019 at 6:09 PM

    Wow, I'm so impressed. Mine croaked quickly but I think I planted it too late in spring. Your post gives me motivation to try again in the fall.

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    Replies
    1. Hoover BooJuly 8, 2019 at 5:10 PM

      Best of luck if you try again. It's a cool plant.

      Delete
  4. hansJuly 20, 2019 at 7:23 AM

    Nice. I'll definitely keep an eye out for this plant at my local nurseries. Reading the older posts about it's origin story reminds me that a garden is a long term commitment.

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    Replies
    1. Hoover BooJuly 20, 2019 at 4:05 PM

      The metallic quality of the foliage is really fascinating. It would be a good plant near a bench, a place to sit and ponder it.

      The longer I garden, the more interesting it gets.

      Delete

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