Two plants showing off outside: finally after four times sowing, I have Monarda citriodora in bloom! A North American native and usually an annual in all but the warmer climates, it has a powerful odor when disturbed or when smelling the blooms that some claim to resemble lemon…but I think is a lot more slightly sweet herbal than that. Fully edible as well, both leaves and flowers, and commonly used to flavor meats or toss in savory salads for a little kick.
The other…not edible, at all, and probably toxic instead. Delphinium likiangense is often described as a dwarf, but as this Chinese native is making flower stalks 18 inches tall I wouldn’t call it small. The blooms I got indoors this past fall were very purple, but they’re showing their true deep blue color now…and attracting the right insects finally because seeds are developing! I may offer seeds or young plants in the future; it’s cold-hardy to zone 7, but has to be protected in colder areas like mine.
#monarda #monardacitriodora #delphinium #delphiniumlikiangense #beebalm #larkspur #flowers #seedgrown #plants #nature #educational #botany #horticulture #gardening #carltoncarnivores
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Jeroen Piël
Carlton Carnivores
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