“Reblooming”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
About this time of year the big flush of blooms has come to an end. The high temperatures seem to make even the strongest of plants slow down or stop blooming. Many plants seem to be waiting for the cooler temperatures of fall to start really blooming again. There are a few hardy plants, however, that seem to be braving the heat and are putting out some more flowers.
The crybaby tree is putting out new blooms even as there are ripe seed pods on the lower branches. When I took this photo yesterday, the sky was just this lovely shade of blue. That blue with the orange-red blossoms made for a striking color combination.
A few daylilies have started blooming again. Rose Passion and Happy Returns have started putting out new flowers. Stella d’oro is blooming, but it never did stop, so I am not considering that as a rebloomer.
Just a reminder to keep those flower pots watered. Read this short article about the spontaneous combustion of a flower pot on someone’s deck in Minnesota. I never knew that this could ever happen.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D91VQL801&show_article=1&catnum=9
So, no more dry pots, ok.
Always Growing 
Amy said,
July 17, 2008 at 10:49 pm
You’re right, that orange and blue combination in the first photo is very striking. Cry baby tree – what a funny name!
Anna said,
July 17, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Someone had a pot catch on fire–that is nuts. You are correct about things not blooming as much under stress. I have to chase my plants with the water hose all day long.
Jon Pen said,
July 18, 2008 at 12:41 am
Loved seeing the great photo of your Crybaby Tree. It gave me a happy flashback to the one I had some years ago that I grew from seeds a California friend sent. The flowers on mine were were a maroon shade. Sadly I lost it during a hard freeze as it never came back from the roots that following Spring. Perhaps its California heritage was too warm-natured and tender to take our crazy flucuating winter weather here in central Mississippi. I am glad you have an established one with strong roots obviously in a happy home! Thanks for sharing that nice picture, Jon at Mississippi Garden blog in Vicksburg, Miss. on 7-18-08
Jan said,
July 18, 2008 at 5:34 am
Hi, Amy. The name comes from the fact that a small drop of nectar drips from the flower. You are right, Crybaby is a funny name.
About that story, Anna. I agree it is silly (unless it is your house) and am still a little skeptical, but stranger things have happened.
Thanks, Jon. for stopping by. Mine did freeze back to the ground the first few years I had it. I planted it on the north side, and it is really exposed. Now, the ends are usually the only things freeze damaged. I do make sure it is mulched heavily in the winter in case we have one of our rare really hard freezes. If you would like some seeds of this one, let me know, and I’ll send you some.
Phillip said,
July 18, 2008 at 7:01 am
I feel your pain. The drought is really taking a toll here. There was an article in our local paper today that said we were almost 5″ behind. We have had some low humidity which is nice but the article said that was actually worse for plants because of the evaporation. Our poor gardens can’t get a break!
Brenda Kula said,
July 18, 2008 at 9:06 am
Wow! I read your link. I think I might put this on my blog today if I get around to posting. If you don’t mind. People need to shout this unknown peculiar fact from the rooftops! Crybaby tree…when next I travel to visit my grandson, I think I will tell him that if doesn’t stop whining over silly four year old things, then Grammy will bless him next Xmas with a crybaby tree!
Brenda
Jan said,
July 18, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Well, Phillip, I just keep thinking of the fall when we will get a break from this heat. It takes some tough plants to survive our summers, doesn’t it?
Yes, Brenda, that is a peculiar and strange situation with the spontaneous combustion of the flower pot. What surprised me is the implication that this is not the first time this has happened. Maybe the occasional gardener is the one to be warned as most people who are into gardening keep their plants watered. Be careful with that threat to the grandbaby, he may just want a crybaby tree for Christmas and call your bluff, lol.
Alexandra said,
July 18, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I’m guilty!! (of course I have a very good reason why I haven’t been out to water my pots the last few weeks). =/ BUT, I will send hubby out to water them for me. 🙂
THanks for sharing.
Jan said,
July 18, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Alexandra, it is a good thing this is a very rare occurence, or more people’s flowerpots would be going up in smoke.