Last year, I blogged about how my hesperaloe had babies. (Hesperaloe also goes by the names false yucca, red yucca, or even the combination false red yucca, even though it's not a yucca.) I was so pleased to have more hesperaloes. I thought I had gotten two babies from one plant. I was wrong. This year, I realized those babies weren't hesperaloes after all.
The bases are completely different.
This is what the base of the hesperaloe looks like:
This is what the base of Plant X looks like:
When Plant X started sending up this flowering stem, my suspicious were confirmed.
Hesperaloe blooms look like this: (Photo from last year)
Plant X is a yucca. Now, I know that many people think hesperaloes are yuccas, but not many people think yuccas are hesperaloes! In fact, people that know spiky plants would have probably known immediately that they were not the same. I don't have a lot of spiky plants in my garden. Thorny, yes, but not spiky. So, all this was new to me!
What kind of yucca is Plant X? That I don't know. It could be a Soapweed yucca, a Louisiana yucca (also known as Gulf Coast yucca), or even an Arkansas yucca. I think I'll have a better idea when it blooms, but if someone knows, please tell me!
Even though I was thrilled when I thought this plant was a hesperaloe, I'm still excited that it is a yucca. I can't wait to see it blooming!
But that's not all! This plant was determined to teach me another lesson, too.
Do you see this bug on its flower stem? This bug has taken up residence there. It hasn't moved for days. I thought it was a stink bug, but again, I was wrong.
This bug is actually a leaf-footed bug. Notice the back of his leg. It looks a lot like a leaf! (You can click on the photo to make it bigger.)
Aren't those fun little lessons? Just another reason I love the garden so.
Have you learned anything new in the garden this week?
What interesting lessons from your garden! My garden told me that I'd better start taking better care of it or it'll call the ASPCG (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Gardens) and report my neglect.
ReplyDeleteOh, is there an ASPCG? I hope my plants never find out about that! ;)
DeleteThat is a nice surprise, a completely different plant hitchhiked in there. As you say it's hard to tell, besides the bloom it might need to grow a bit to know which one it is. Your guesses are close.
ReplyDeleteThis week my garden says it's pretty happy with all the work we've done the last few weeks so time to take and break and enjoy.
I hope your weather this weekend is perfect for enjoying! It's always good to stop for a while and just admire.
DeleteYou'll like the Yucca....I enjoy the blooms of my filamentosas
ReplyDeleteI like just about anything that blooms! I have seen these out in the woods here and there, so I suppose that's where it came from - but I still find it a bit odd.
DeleteAt least the bug doesn't seem to be doing anything destructive (I hope)! The lesson I am learning from my garden this week is: "Please stop checking the plants to see if they have grown - they will grow in their own good time". Unfortunately, I am not listening and I am about to pop outside to check the Astrantia. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a hard lesson to learn! I check on all my plants, too, especially the new ones. It's hard to wait until that "leap" phase!
DeleteI had a couple Yucca in my yard and it was a nightmare to get rid of. Now it's a nightmare trying to get rid of it at my mom's house. Seems that is what I am always doing is digging out more starts. Have to do that next week. I like the plants but boy they sure need to be where they will remain forever. :)
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
Uh, oh. I may have introduced a monster into my garden!
DeleteA hoax hesperaloe, that's what it is! How could you possibly have a yucca grown from seed (?) just one year ago already flowering??? It's incredible! I'm thrilled to know more about this yucca now and see it in full bloom, keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteThis was growing last year in one of the raised rose beds before I transplanted it near the hesperaloe. Maybe it was older, but I don't think I would have missed it weeding two years in a row! The second one I found is not as big as this one, and is not flowering yet.
DeleteWhenever we plant squash of any kind those bugs get all over the plants. I think they're just gross. In fact, this year we aren't planting squash because of them.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's not good. I should have squished him when I had the chance. I just didn't have the heart for it yet. But if he multiplies and gets on my squash, it will be war!
DeleteStink bugs are taking over the Earth! We have them in the Northeast too. They innundated my Sister - get into everything! Closets, books. terrible bugs!
ReplyDeleteOh, no! I can't imagine having them inside the house! What a horrible time your poor sister must have had!
DeleteI hop you'll really like your new resident. I have three that I decided just didn't fit, but they still think different. I've put them on bread and water, had them beaten to death, burned alive, then stomped on them with hobnailed boots and they look as fresh as daisies every year. Well I may just give in, although I've heard of a few more things to try.
ReplyDeleteMisrepresentation in the plant kingdom seems to be one of those things we all have to endure. It looks fun and nice and you call it a kitty, then when you turn your back it becomes a roaring lion or even a puma. It seems the more I find out the more I find I don't know much. Ahh, the joy of gardening!
That doesn't sound good at all. I hope it doesn't turn into a lion! I'll keep my eye on it!
DeleteAre leaf footed bugs good bugs? I hope so. Good luck with your yucca! They are very hardy and have roots to China! They do have a beautiful flower, though.
ReplyDeleteI think the leaf footed bugs are not very good. They really are much like a stink bug, and like to eat on tomatoes, squash, etc. I should have gotten rid of him, but since he wasn't bothering me, I didn't bother him. I'm getting a little worried about all the stories of yuccas that won't leave!
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