Don't give up

[jaliranchr]

I planted three mirabilis multiflora (wild or desert 4 O'Clocks) three years ago. They said the hottest, sunniest spot in your yard. OK the SW corner of my corner lot, right near all the concrete and pavement. Waited. Waited. Waited. They grew, but oh so slowly. Then tonight, I looked down and saw little pink flower buds on the tip of the stems. These are supposed to get big in time, but I'm just thrilled to see them bloom before I move from here. I'm happy!

[flowerpower]

Cool plant! I know how frustrating it is waiting for a plant to flower. I had a Jacob's ladder for 3yrs before it bloomed. I was going to move it. I figured the conditions weren't "just right".

[bluelacedredhead]

Jali, I planted Thermopsis here in 1996 or 97. After reading how invasive it could become I planted it in a small rectangular plot between the house a concrete sidewalk and a small patio area. It has been eaten by free de-ranged poultry, dug up accidentally by yours truly trying to weed and like yourself, and as a result, I thought it was never going to be a healthy patch much less the invasive weed it's rumoured to be.
Until this year, lol. In spring, it appeared in the leaf mold pile about 100 feet away? I must have accidentally raked up a piece of root with leaves last fall.
And the little patch by the sidewalk has suddenly become rampant groundcover.
Our place has been for sale for over 120 days now. Like you, I am thrilled to see it finally thriving but I'm wondering if it's the Threat of Thermopsis that is stopping anyone from offering on the farm,

[jaliranchr]

Yup, FP, I think that's part of it. Just waiting for that special moment. When the stars or something are all aligned perfectly and then they do what THEY, not we, want to do.

BLRH, it didn't like the home you gave it so it up and moved where it liked it. Good luck with the property sale.

Looks like it will bloom in the next couple of days. I'll post another pic when it is in full color. LOL, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. This stuff is what rejuvinates the gardener's soul and takes the sting out of a lot of the disappointments.

[jaliranchr]

Such dainty little flowers for such a hardy xeric plant.