Plant Portrait: Tillandsia crocata

Tillandsia crocata is a rather humble Tillie when not in bloom. It's sort of a dull green-grey, somewhat fuzzy and out-of-focus looking, definitely not a diva. Until it blooms. No wallflower then!

Tillandsia crocata "Copper Penny", MR 2014

Only a few Tillandsias have scented blooms. And a saffron-colored bloom is very unusual for this genus. The perfume of T. crocata is rich and ebullient. It fills the room with its heady golden scent. It's not an easy Tillie to find, but if you find one, do give it a try.

Weekend Plant Portrait: Phal and Tillie

Tillandsia crocata makes a very subtle, silvery background for a flashy Phalaenopsis....

Phal and Tillie, MR, Oct 2014

However, the Phal has no scent, and when T. crocata blooms, its gorgeous perfume fills a room. Have a wonderful weekend in the garden!

Another Fragrant Tillandsia, and a Bunny!

Tillandsia caliginosa

Another lovely Tillie has bloomed, and it's one of the rare scented species. Tillandisa caliginosa (kah-lee-jee-NO-sa) has tiny, brown and yellow flowers. But the flowers smell powerfully of mimosa, honey, and bread dough. A rare treat for the Tillie gardener, I've been happily huffing T. caliginosa's perfume this weekend. And of course, still working with my Corel program and making pots.

Here's one of our neighborhood cottontail rabbits, so sweet! We've named him Victor- he comes to our garden to watch the sunsets over the river, seriously. (Bunnies are very artistic and spiritual creatures.) Here's Victor watching the sunset with great interest and appreciation....Have a great weekend!