Pleased Friday GPODers!
Over the previous few weeks I’ve been sharing a few of my private highlights from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Present. Up to now, I’ve showcased varied shows that caught my consideration and impressed me to ponder completely different facets of gardening and backyard design. When you missed any of these posts, take a look at: the luminous entry show (reflecting this yr’s theme of Gardens of Tomorrow), Welcoming Wildlife Dwelling (a whimsical design that was one of many Finest in Present winners), and Roots with Tomorrow’s Eden (two shows that celebrated what is often hidden underground).
Immediately I wished to shift gears and discover one other side of this annual present, the tons of of unimaginable plant specimens on show. A few of these crops are displayed by varied plant societies within the Philadelphia space, however most are entered by amateurs who want to have their prize crops displayed and judged in varied classes (with the hope of strolling away with a blue ribbon). Beneath are a few of the crops that not solely caught my consideration, however made me rub my eyes and take a better look. They could be somewhat bizarre, unbelievable, or indescribable, however they’re additionally all fantastic.
The primary group of crops are from the Philadelphia Cactus & Succulent Society, and this little cacti was improbable colour appears like it might be proper at residence amongst some clowns on the circus. The star cactus (Astrophytum asterias, Zone 10–12) can be generally known as the ‘sea urchin’ cactus as a result of a few of these crops have extra fuzzy dots that may make it appear to be an empty sea urchin with out spines. This variegated model is a really uncommon selection.
The following plant appears much less playful and much more harmful, which is completely by design. Elephant’s trunk plant (Pachypodium namaquanum, Zone 10–11) is native to Southern Africa, the place is has tailored to outlive in extraordinarily arid circumstances and developed a stem filled with spikes to defend towards hungry herbivores. As a houseplant this succulent is not going to develop very massive, however in it’s native setting the elephant’s trunk plant can develop as much as 13 ft tall!
Some issues are odd at first look, and even odder once you do your analysis. Consider it or not, the frequent title of this plant is the penis cactus (Trichocereus bridgesii var. monstrose, Zone 9–11). The straight species of this cactus (Trichocereus bridgesii) has a way more conventional form, however the monstrose variation grows on this irregular segments which can be identified to type these sculptural shapes. I suppose it’s best to by no means decide a e book by its cowl, or by its title!
One space the place cacti and succulents all the time win for me is their variety, which additionally makes them dangerour for any plant lover who has a proclivity for amassing. African candelabra (Euphorbia ammak ‘Cristata’, Zone 9–11) is native to the Saudi Arabia peninsula, however it might really feel proper at residence in any sci-fi film.
After all, cacti and succulents weren’t the one oddities on show. Mounted up subsequent to an enormous staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum, Zone 9–13) was this trailing, twisting, and curling plant I had by no means seen earlier than. It is a tropical plant known as the keeled tassel-fern (Huperzia carinatum ‘Heatons High-quality’, Zone 10–12). Regardless of its title, it’s technically a fern ally. These are crops that share many traits with ferns, however aren’t true ferns.
This seashore bells (Kalanchoe manginii, Zone 10–12) is a one other trailing plant that was out-of-the-norm, however completely enchanting. I used to be fascinated by the flower-laden stems that each grew up and hung down, creating a really distinctive form for a flowering plant.
And a better have a look at these fairly flowers and shiny foliage.
I’ve seen glass haworthia (Haworthia springbokvlakensis, Zone 10–12) in a couple of completely different variations earlier than, however none ever as shiny and shiny as this. The image doesn’t do justice to how a lot this teeny tiny plant shimmered. When you walked by shortly you might need thought it simply obtained a hardy watering, but it surely was utterly dry.
If there one was odd-ball (sorry for the apparent pun!) plant that was getting all the consideration, it was this short-leaved abromeitiella (Deuterocohnia brevifolia, Zone 9–11). Native to Argentina and Bolivia, this plant grows tons of one-inch rosettes that type into these good mounds. Of their native habitat they develop round rocks, creating wonderful carpets of inexperienced. As a potted plant, and with sufficient persistence and care, you possibly can create a shocking form like this.
And to show this wasn’t a one-sided plant, a view from above. Outdoors of topiaries and educated bushes, I don’t suppose I’ve ever seen a plant so symmetrical well-shaped. Additionally, take a look at that blue ribbon it so rightly deserved!
Not an oddity, however I couldn’t consider a extra acceptable put up for backyard gag. When you’re in a local weather the place you possibly can develop cacti exterior, or if you happen to transfer your cacti assortment outside each summer season, I assumed this was nice inspiration from some hilarious backyard artwork!
I hope you discovered these crops as fascinating, eye-catching, and even humorous as I did! When you went to the Philadelphia Flower Present this yr, what had been some crops that stole the present for you? Tell us within the feedback!
And when you’ve got any probably prize-winning plant specimens or uncommon beauties we’d not be conversant in, please think about sharing them with the weblog! Observe the instructions beneath to submit pictures by way of electronic mail, or ship me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
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