Flower garden showing a good sign

Roses: After two months without flowering (hot season) then rainy weather for 2 weeks, our pale pink mini-rose is branching out new maroonish leaves. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good news. http://gardening.about.com/od/rose1/a/MiniRose.htm
Master Gardener Kris advises that new growth on the branches tend to have a reddish color and will turn green. It should develop new rose buds within a few weeks. It should get 1/2 day of direct sun, the more sun the more flowers. Water when slightly dry-don’t let it dry out and don’t over water. Fertilize with a rose food or balanced fertilizer (follow directions) during active growth for best flower production. They thrive in sun and even moisture, let it dry slightly between watering. Roses stop blooming when it gets too hot (90’s)outdoors. Also, if the weather has been hot, like many plants, they stop blooming until it gets cooler. When planting, amend the soil with compost or organic material and fertilize once a month with a rose food or balanced fertilizer at the recommended rate. Be sure it get plenty of water-don’t let them dry out. General rule is 1 inch per week, depending on how much rain you get. http://hortchat.com/info/how-do-i-care-for-the-miniature-rose-plant-i-just-bought



Ixora chinensis 'Miniature Pink'. http://www.mayflowersnursery.com/product_details.php?pid=208&sid=47&co=7&ch=1

[Update Mar-30,'09] Strangely Ixora ceased blooming since Jan'08. Types of Ixora at http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/ixora_sp.htm. Closest resemblance would be Ixora lobbii (Family: Rubiaceae) or Glossy Pink Ixora http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/ixora_lobbii.htm

http://www.jaycjayc.com/ixora-species-jungleflame/ For optimum growth and flowering; plant in moist, organic and well-drained acidic soil, with abundant sunlight. Remove flowers when withered and dried leaves if any. Prune annually to keep bush in shape or to encourage flowering, instead of repeatedly shearing off branch tips which will inhibit emerging flower buds. Feed monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. The most common pests of Ixora are nematodes, aphids, scale insects, and mealy bugs, resulting in sooty mold. It is susceptible to yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) when grown in alkaline soil. Hence, Ixora, an acid lover, should not be planted too close to concrete foundation, as it is intolerant of alkaline soil. Read more on how to control these pests and treat severe chlorosis, if affected.

[Update May-1,'09] Weather has been hot, humid and rainless weeks (except for 5 minute showers in every 3 days) - Ixora started flowering and clusters of buds sprouting on every shrub.


Caratharanthus Rosea (Madagascar Periwinkle) blooms profusely during the rainy season.

They fill up the gaps in its pot nicely, just a month since planting. Pebble-washed stones (garden stones) are used to prevent loss of soil from impact during rainfall. Over here, rainfalls (1 to 3 hours) makes great percussion symphony.
They make a fantastic flower garden and attractive garden feature in any homes.