Monday, August 25, 2008

Mysterious plant

t798


Many years ago I bought a plant at a garage sale that the lady called an Ornamental Onion. It grew and thrived and was like nothing I had ever seen. Then, like I often manage to do, I killed it.


t797


A couple of years ago, I managed to find another one, again at a garage sale. I love the unique look of the leaves and I planted it in one of the planters we bought while living in Texas. In the summer, I love to set it in the antique baby swing we found at another rummage sale.


t796


When I decided to share this plant with you, I did some searching on the net for Ornamental Onion and saw nothing like this. So maybe it’s called something else? Do you know? Whatever it is, it loves to bloom in the summer.


t795


It sends a few stalks out of little tiny purple blooms. They are so small (smaller than a popcorn kernal) and easy to overlook. But, they always delight me.

28 comments:

  1. I wonder if it has tiger in it's name....that's what the leaves remind me off. And the purple flowers look a little like Bluebells. Very interesting!

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  2. I often manage to kill my indoor plants, too!

    I've no idea what it is, but "onion" would not have crossed my mind; the leaves and flowers are different than anything I've seen in the allium family. (Is it "family?" II'm not sure if it's that or "genus" or "species" or what.) Whatever it is, it IS delightful!

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  3. I know some examples similar to this, but have not seen this exact one.
    Beautiful!

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  4. Hmmm...looks to me like some kind of variegated oyster plant. I'll do some checking and let you know if i find out for sure.

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  5. Well, just from googling a little, I can tell you that it is most definitely NOT an Ornamental Onion!

    http://www.gardensablaze.com/Bulbs/BulbsOrnOnion.htm

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  6. Hmmmm...again, can't help. Am i a loser, or what? i will google and see what i can find out.

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  7. That is a very beautiful plant. I love the foliage. I'm going to e-mail your link to my Dad. Maybe he knows what the name is. He's somewhat of a plant expert.

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  8. Cool looking plant - love the leopard pattern!
    Cheers, Klaus

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  9. I love the old baby swing. not sure what the plant is but it is lovely.

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  10. I have no idea... Perfect one for wordless... Happy wordless! Mine's up too hope you can drop by...

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  11. Aren't mysteries sweet? Especially the green kind;) My WW is Wisconsin Loons.

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  12. I love the look of it too, but can't help with the name or genus. It is lovely.

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  13. Swampangel65 referred me to your page. THe plant is a leopard lily: http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/Ledebouria_socialis.htm

    We have some of these in our own garden! Some are in a container and other are in the ground.

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  14. Wow I'd never seen that plant before. I love it. Happy WT/WW

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  15. Coolio! I too am wondering what type of plant it is :)

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  16. A leopard lily! wow! Love the look and the name Lisa...lovely pics - as usual - :0)

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  17. Well, I'm quite stupid when it comes to flowers, plants, vegetables...anything that grows in the ground. Cut it open and see if it produces tears?? lol

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  18. ok. Here it is...the answer to your mystery plant!

    http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/Ledebouria_socialis.htm

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  19. Oh, nevermind! I see Misti already answered you! That's what I get for not taking the time to read all the comments. D'uh...

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  20. anglophilefootballfanatic.comAugust 26, 2008 at 8:32 AM

    I love the swing, Lisa. What a great find. Do you put holiday decorations in it, too? I could totally see a pumpkin or Easter bunny in it.

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  21. It’s a mystery to me as well … but it IS an interesting plant. Hopefully someone will know what I don’t.
    Hugs and blessings,

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  22. I am botanically challenged Lisa, but whatever it is, it sure is intricate and beautiful in its' own right.

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  23. From the leaves and the flowers, it looks like some type of succulant, or even a Wandering Jew.

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  24. I don't know what you call it, but it sure is cool.
    - Mojo

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  25. Love those blooms and leaves. It's great when you find unusual plants.

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  26. Makes me think of anemone, Lisa. I never saw one with such flowers, though. What a beautiful plant. I love the way you display it.

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  27. The plant and swing are too adorable. Sorry I have no wisdom as to what kind of plant it is though

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