This is an accidental flower arrangement. I had a few Parrotflowers (Heliconia psittacorum) pop up in the front garden and cut them. One had an extremely short stem, so I decided to put them in this short vase – not realizing I could not get a frog in the vase to hold the stems upright. The Parrotflowers landed on edge. Eureka! they look like birds in flight and I went with the flow. I decided more red and yellow would pop the parrot colors.
For unknown reasons the Tropical Red Salvia are having a banner year. Possibly the advent of soaking afternoon thundershowers and their taking hold in the highly amended, recently abandoned vegetable bed. The flowers are bigger and more bountiful than ever before. Another gardening mystery to ponder.
A closer view:
The Parrotflowers (Heliconia psittacorum) are in red and yellow; adding to the flow, bell shaped red flowers are Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis).
The red spikes are the fat and happy Tropical Red Salvia (Salvia coccinea). I am always amazed at the ability of my garden to produce foliage in colors that match the flowers.This week’s foliage is from Copperleaf shrubs, oddly named, in my opinion, as they are available in many colors besides copper. The red leaves are from ‘Louisiana Red’ Copperleaf (Acalphya wilkesiana). The yellow and green leaves are called ‘Java White’.
Happy Gardening and THANKS to Cathy at http://www.ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com for hosting IAVOM. To see more vases follow the link.
The Shrub Queen 
I really like the motion. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected.
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Yes, I am guessing most of the bonanza heights and flowering here this year are weather related – it will be different again next year, no doubt! I like your accidental birds in flight and love the contrasts of red and green – thanks for sharing them
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The Salvia is always a surprise, it reseeds and can turn several different colors. Rain helps every garden. Until there is too much?
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A reseeding salvia sounds a real asset in the garden – as is a temperate climate like we have in the UK, despite its realtive unpredictabilty
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Serendipity! The Parrotflowers are impressive. I love the colorful foliage too.
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Thanks, Kris. Serendipity rules the day.
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Love the flow of this one, and as you know may remember, parrot flowers are one of my favorites. The reds are wonderfully eye-catching.
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Thanks, Eliza I need to plant another batch, they seem to be short lived perennials.
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What a good impact! Love the reds. Everything looks great in the vase you chose, its color is just right. And the Copperleaf patterns and colors are so interesting too. Have a good week.
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Thanks, Susie, Happy Monday.
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Now I know where banana candy comes from.
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Okay, what are you talking about?
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google ‘banana candy’.
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Your parrot flowers are so lovely, stretching their wings with the firecracker flowers. 😃 The red Salvia clearly loves your weather… I used to think Salvia likes it dry, but now I am not so sure as it has done well here this summer too. Everything has also grown taller this year, with incredible rainfall since the late winter. 😃
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Thanks, Cathy. I think rain is good though I managed to over water one of the Salvia..it shocked me.. stopped in time, fortunately.
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