How To Grow 4 o'clock / Mirabilis Jalapa In Pots Or Containers.

The stunning colorful trumpet shaped flowers of the 4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa) plant adds both color and beauty to any flower garden attracting birds,butterflies and bees alike.It is also known by other names such as Marvel of Peru,Beauty of the night,Bunga Pukul Empat,Shower flower,Sandhya Malati,Krishna keli,Gulabas,Chandramalli and Akashmuri.


 
The flowers bloom only in the evenings when the temperature drops and cools and the flowers wilt in mornings as the sunrises and new flowers open the following day.The flowers have a lemony sweet scent.The flowers are borne singly or in clusters.

4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa)can be grown as an ornamental plant and it is available in many shades such as Red,White,Yellow,Orange,White,

Pink,Magenta,sometimes with more than one color on the same plant.Bi colored flowers with stripes,spots,and flakes can also be grow similar to petunias. 4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa)belongs to the Bougainvillea family the plant can be grown easily in pots or containers or in the ground as hedge plants.

The  4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa) plant prefers full sunlight for optimum growth.The plant is a perennial and blooms profusely in the summers.It is a short shrub with green herbaceous smooth textured leaves.Most of the times if there are multiple colored flowers growing in a garden or in pots the chances of cross pollination are higher.  

The plants can be easily propagated by seeds, the seeds can be directly sown into the soil no need for soaking the seeds before sowing them.The seeds look like tiny little black hand grenades.The seeds lose their viability so sow them as soon as you get them from the plant.Seeds germinate within a weeks time.

The flowers are often used as natural food coloring and dye.The dye obtained from the 4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa) is used to color cakes and jellies.Various parts of the 4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa)  is used in tribal and folk medicine.4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa) plant has the potential to reduce light traces of cadmium when planted in such polluted soils.

The 4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa)  plant is almost disease ,pest free and drought tolerant plant hence its a delight to grow,it can be grown in any type of soil ,water moderately as

4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa) plant does not like to have wet feet,over watering can lead to root rot eventually killing the plant.

This plant is perfect for people who go out to work and come back in the evenings. you can enjoy the flowers once your back after a long tiring day at work what a welcoming sight it would be.4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa) is a fuss free no nonsense plant that does not need green fingers and fertilization it pretty much survives on its own.

The 4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa) plant is self seeding it also considered as a invasive species because of its self sowing habit it can over take an entire garden if left unchecked.Once the flower falls of a seed begins to grow upon full maturation the seed turns black and falls off.

So if you want to add some color and cheer to your garden and make it look pretty and colorful at the same time go ahead and plant some 4 o'clock(Mirabilis Jalapa) in an array of colors and watch how your plain garden turns into a thing of beauty and awe.

                                       Till then stay happy and keep on gardening !!

Growing and Caring for Indian roses in pots or container

The pretty and petite Indian rose is a delight not only for the eyes but also the senses,the scent lingers on and the blooms stay for weeks altogether on the plant before they finally start to fade and eventually fall off.The roses may appear as a single bloom or in clusters of six roses or more that bloom one by one making the rose plant look full and attractive.The bloom shades vary from crimson to dark pink depending on the soil type and presence of different minerals in varying proportions.

Some say the Indian rose is a hybrid of Rosa Damask that came from Persia some say its called Gruss An Teplitz a rose that was bred by Rudolf Geshwind of Austria but whatever the breed or name maybe its adapted itself to the climate,soil,and other conditions here in India and now has become a native and is know as the Indian rose or Desi Gulab.

These Indian roses due its sweet scent is often used to make a rose petal preserve or rose jam which is known as Gulkand,it has a cooling effect on the body and is had with a glass of milk,it is also used to make rosewater, perfume and as offerings for deities.

The Indian rose plant can be easily grown in any type of soil but needs good fertilization to grow and produce blooms.Its always a good idea to start with manure as a base for any rose plant in its initial stage of growing this ensures a strong root system with good growth,gradually then you can introduce other types of organic fertilizers.  

 Instead of dumping used egg shells into the waste bin save them,every time to use eggs wash and dry the shells then store them until you have enough to make this wonderful egg shell brew by boiling the shells in water 20 shells for a little over a liter of water because once you boil this mix you need to have at least a liter left,once cool you can pour the water in your rose plants this brew will give your roses a boost of calcium and potassium.

Epsom salt contains sulfate and magnesium are important minerals that a rose plant needs, mix 1 tablespoonful of  Epsom salt into a liter of water,use this to water your roses instead of plain water this mix can also be sprayed on the rose foliage. 

Burn old newspapers or magazines,coconut husks and shells,twigs,wood chips etc and sprinkle the leftover ash on the soil this ash contains nitrogen and other minerals however don't overdo this part because excess nitrogen can cause yellowing of leaves and burn the roots of your plants or may even kill the plant so be careful apply this ash only once a month it should suffice.

For Homemade spray to get rid of mealy bugs,aphids,scale,spider mites or white flies but first try a patch test on the plant to check that it does not burn it before going ahead and spraying it all over only after you ascertain everything is fine you use the spray all over,to make the spray mix 1 tsp of vegetable oil with 1 tsp baby shampoo or dish washing liquid add a tsp of baking soda to a large cup of water mix well and pour into a spray bottle use this spray all over the rose plant,make sure you get beneath the leaves as well,leave it for an hour then water it down with a hose,do this twice a week until you get rid  of all the pests.

Whenever you see leaves on the rose plant turning yellow get rid of it immediately don't wait for it to fall of on its own,also remove blooms are faded and spent, most of the times faded old rose blooms tend to seed (rose hips)this drains the rose plant of its energy causing it to cease flowering or growing new shoots, so to encourage new growth and more buds cut off faded roses and keep your rose plants healthy and safe from fungus and mold diseases that easily effect rose plants,it will also make your rose plants look neat and pretty.

When cutting off Rose blooms, ensure that your shears or scissors are clean before you use them,  disinfect it by rubbing it with a cloth soaked in some alcohol or by simply washing it with soap and water and then wiping dry with a clean cloth this prevents any harmful bacteria from getting into the cuttings. Always cut the stem on a slant or on an angle where it meets a new leaf line or bud eye.Cut roses early in the morning before the sun gets to hot or preferably in the evenings.

Rose plants also grow suckers which are often confused with new growth, and if not attended these sucker cause slow growth, flowering issues with the concerned rose plant ,now what are these suckers exactly?Suckers are growth of new stems that emerge or protrude from under the soil or just below the knot of the graft they grow rapidly and suck most of the nutrients hence the term sucker.A sucker is very easy to identify it is light green in color and has seven leaves and is often thorny and ribbed,to get rid of them simply push and clear away the soil from the area where the sucker has emerged,twist and pull off rather than cutting it,cutting stimulates the growth of more suckers.

Rose plants dont like water logging so make sure you water them only when the soil feels dry,water twice in case the weather is too hot.Never water rose blooms stay away from them when you are watering this way they last longer and the petals do not get bruised.

If you grow your rose plants in pots or containers make sure you loosen the soil regularly because watering tends to make the top soil hard over a period of time.Stay away from plastic containers as they heat up quickly and also do not last as they tend to turn brittle if exposed to direct heat of the sun for long .Choose terracotta,clay,or cement pots.

Always plant Roses in large containers because the roots tend to spread rapidly in case your pot or container is small the rose plant will not grow properly.Transplanting your rose plants to bigger pots will ensure more root space and longer lasting rose plants.

Place  rose plants that are grown in containers or pots in a sunny spot that receives at least five to six hours of direct sunlight roses love to bask in the warm heat of the sun.

 Keep your rose plants away from places that are windy or have strong winds blowing frequently.

The last and most important thing when growing rose plants treat them well with all the love and care like you would with your loved ones. Most of the times people complain that i use this,and i do that,i do this but my rose plants don't seem to be doing good that's because you do everything right except you don't shower your plants with care and attention.At times just a touch may do all the magic to a plant that even a fertilizer cant do!!

I found this rose plant lying near a sidewalk it must have belonged to someone who got tired of it and decided to throw it off, the rose plant showed signs of being alive as it had its roots intact,i decided to give it a shot and got it home, gave it place some place in my potted garden along with my other plants since then it has only flourished and grown and it shows its happy by producing lovely pink fragrant roses all around the year.

Love changes everything for good including your plants !!

                                                         Happy Gardening To All My Friends!! 

Growing and Caring for Malabar False Eranthemum In Pots Or Conatiners.

Malabar False Eranthemum  is a beautiful evergreen shrub with small white orchid like flowers that is found down south in the Malabar coast of India ,Each Malabar False Eranthemum flower has five petals and out of those five petals one petal is larger than the others and has tiny magenta colored dotty spots all over it.The flowers of the Malabar False Eranthemum do not have any scent however the look compromises for the lack of any scent.The shrub can be grown in pots or containers but it is best grown as a hedge plant because of it been covered all over profusely with its beautiful white flowers.The buds are white and look very similar to tightly packed jasmine buds.The leaves are glossy,tiny and oval shaped they are light green when young but turn into  a shade of  glossy dark green once mature. 

Malabar False Eranthemum does very well in a mix well draining potting soil and organic matter and does not require much watering.The plant needs to be watered only when the soil feels dry.

Malabar False Eranthemum can be succesfully grown an propagated by stem cuttings preferably during the monsoons as thats the time when the plant gives out a spurt of new growth.Fertilize with organic fertilizers to boost growth and flowering in the plants.

If you like you can prune the plant in any shape you desire to keep it looking neat even if its in a pot or a container.Pruning also helps in promoting new stem growth.

Malabar Eranathemum is a hardy plant and chances of it getting infected by garden pests is very low,so it can be easily grown as its fuss free and needs no special attention what so ever, and it also looks strikingly beautiful from a distance with its tiny white flowers that adorn the backdrop of bright green leaves.

Happy Gardening To All !!

                                                                                                    

How To Grow And Take Care of Bougainvillea.

 The Bougainvillea is a popular plant all over the world.Bougainvillea is also known  by names as Buganvilla,Santa Rita,Napoleon,Veranera,Trinitaria and Papelillo . Named after Louis De Bougainvillea the plant was discovered by him in Brazil in the late 1800's.The compact bunches of the colorful flowers of the Bougainvillea plant give any garden a feeling of richness and beauty.Bougainvillea plants are available in an array of colors from Pinks,Reds,Oranges,Purple,Magenta and White,to Bi colored shades as well.The Bougainvillea flowers strike out against the backdrop  of its dark green leaves.

Bougainvillea is also known as paper flower,this is because its flower petals are thin and contain less water.Well maintained Bougainvillea plants keep the garden looking splendorous except for rainy months.It can be grown easily in containers or pots as small flowering shrubs.

 So hardy is the Bougainvillea plant that it can thrive in any type of soil,environmental conditions and can also do without watering.Is never effected by any sort of garden pests.It  has been observed that the Bougainvillea plant tends to give brighter colored blooms in places that experience hot and dry climate.

Regular manuring and pruning is essential to keep Bougainvillea plants thriving.Excess watering should be avoided,when watering the plant stay away from the blooms and leaves.Since new branches have the ability to flower periodically its important to prune the plant.Organic fertilizers such as cow dung powder,neem cake,groundnut cake can be added to the potting mix.    



The Bougainvillea plant can be trained as a creeper,a hedge plant,as a shrub or can be
simply grown in large sized pots or containers.Just make sure that you place the Bougainvillea in a place where it can get ample of direct open sunshine this is very important and helps in  the growth of the plant .Whatever way you decide to grow it the  Bougainvillea will reward you with lovely clusters of colorful blooms that will give your garden a tropical feel by adding color to it.

Bougainvillea likes well draining soil that is rich in phosphorous, Bougainvillea does not like water logging so make sure you dont over water and water only when the soil feels dry only then will the plant do well and bloom or else it will only grow leaves and no flowers .If not placed in direct sunlight you can provide a spot that receives at least five hours of sunlight this is perfectly fine for the growth of Bougainvillea plant since it loves the sun .Prune the Bougainvillea to keep it looking  neat and in  shape,it will also provide the plant with new and healthy growth.Train the Bougainvillea by providing it with a trellis or fence if grown as a Vine.

Generally Bougainvillea retains its flowers for a longer period.Some Hybrid varieties show color change on flowers before shedding.Removing unwanted branches after the plant has finished flowering induces new growth in the Bougainvillea plant.Hybrid bougainvillea plants bear flowers of different bi colored shades like Mary Palmer(red and white),Mrs Buck(crimson red),Lady Mary Baring(Orange),Summer Time(Magenta),Tomato(Terracotta),

Snow Queen(Pure White)etc.

The Bougainvillea is armed with thick large thorns all over hence animals or cattle's avoid eating the plants even birds tend to stay away from it.Only the butterflies and bees are attracted and hover over the colorful blossoms of the Bougainvillea. 

Bougainvillea may cause skin allergies and reactions like itching and scratches so make sure that you are not allergic to it before you go ahead and get one for yourself,cause Bougainvillea is toxic.

This Ornamental thorny vine is a gardeners delight.Low on maintenance and easy to grow.It will not only add beauty to your garden but will also bring in lots of friends of the garden like pretty butterflies and bees. 

Propagation of the Bougainvillea is generally done by cuttings.Best time to propagate the Bougainvillea by cutting method is during spring time when the plant spurts new growth.Place the cuttings in partial shade once they are sturdy and develop a good root system you can place them in full sunlight.

                                                 Happy Gardening To All !!