The third Monday in February is a federal holiday honoring former Presidents of the United States. It began as a holiday to honor George Washington’s birthday (the first President) on February 22 (or 11th depending on what calendar you use). Congress changed the date to make three day holiday weekends in the late 1960s, ensuring it would never fall on Washington’s actual birthday. Different states call the holiday by different names, so there is no correct spelling. I never knew it was such a confusing holiday until I read up on it. Though I do remember when it was celebrated on February 22nd.
The warm up in weather and a nice rain prompted my Salvias to start flowering. These plants do so much better if deadheaded, so I decided to cut a red, white and blue vase for George Washington. Deadheading for President’s Day.
The vase is a crystal rose bowl that belonged to my mother. It is one of those things I keep in such a safe place that I forget about it. It has never held a rose in Florida.
The details:
Red Nodding Hibiscus (Malvaviscus penduliflorus) are napping over the edge of the vase.
Here is the bowl with Salvias on the side. In blue, ‘Mystic Spires’ Salvia; in white, Tropical Red Salvia (Salvia coccinea) – this is a true to seed white flowering Tropical Red Salvia that appeared in my garden. It is magnificently hardy, requires little water and flowers non-stop. A favorite, I must name it after myself. The red spike flowers are from Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformus), These are sort of a lanky, rambling perennial, but indestructible. A few sprigs of Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) are tucked into the back.
As always, thank you to Cathy at http://www.ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com for hosting this habit forming meme. Visit here to see vases from gardeners around the world.
Happy Gardening!!
The Shrub Queen 
A great red, white and blue vase. Salvia coccinea is a favorite in my garden and I have three colors. The poor babies are coming back from being frozen, so no flowers.
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Thank you. A lot of the less protected Salvias are starting over now.
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PS In my former life, I would be skiing on this holiday. Today I will be weeding in the 80-degree heat with humidity to match.
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No skiing here, either. It is 85!
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Such lovely colours.
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Wow, that nodding hibiscus sure is stunning “napping” over the edge of your arrangement–such a vibrant red. In fact, it’s rare that I see a red, white, and blue floral arrangement with such true colors. Amazing.
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Thanks, some call those Sleeping Hibiscus.
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It looks like colors for Independence Day. I am getting to like these flowers, even though I am unfamiliar with them. I have encountered only ‘Mystic Spires’ salvia.
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I am not sure what the Tropical Salvias would do there, maybe summer annuals?
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It is rated for this climate zone. I really have no idea what they would do, since I have never grown them. Salvias were very popular here in the 1980s and 1990, and some are native.
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Automatic grows them in her garden. Probably Zone 8 but humid.
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This is Zone 9 but semi arid.
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They thrive in unirrigated sugar sand here, 10A
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Irrigation is not a problem. Aridity could be. I sort of doubt it though, since I have met only one Salvia that does not perform well here.
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Very patriotic of you! 🙂 I remember in 3rd grade the teacher hung posters with Lincoln’s and Washington’s face and those days were separately celebrated. I remembered thinking we were cheated when they put all the President’s together for one day and during a vacation week, so no cupcakes! 😉
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Same here. Lincoln’s seemed like a bigger deal with more cupcakes..
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A beautiful color mix! President’s Day always comes as a surprise to me now, heralded mostly by commercials advertising sales as a reminder not to bother checking for a mail delivery.
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Thanks, Kris. It is an easily missed holiday.
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You have certainly risen to the occasion with patriotic colours, it is really lovely. I’m so pleased you also found your mother’s beautiful cut glass vase.
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Thank you, Noelle. I wish I had some of your snowdrops.
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The white salvia is exquisite: Salvia ameliana? 😉 (I also love the blue one.) Your rose bowl is beautiful but I have never understood why roses have to go in bowls when I think they look much nicer in tall arrangements. Have I missed something?! I have a miniature rose bowl which would not even be big enough for a single rose, but I also have a ‘bud vase’ which is perfect. Hope you had a lovely long weekend. Happy gardening!
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Thanks, Cathy. I like that idea. I used to put Fairy Roses in the bowl when I lived further north. I think they work for short stemmed roses holding the flower up. Maybe I should try some Gardenias in it when I have some. Another flopper.
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All 3 main constituents are such striking colours, even the white. It is interesting to read the different opinions about the holiday 😉 And you must elaborate on why you think the red salvia should be named after you – are you suggesting you are hardy and require little water?
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