So very pretty. Yes the siam tulips or curcumas do go dorment for the winter. So do the dancing ladies, but both are a nice surprise in the spring. I just have to be careful not to plant on top of them in the winter. I cut apart tomato cages to use as markers now so that doesn't happen.

On Sunday, June 1st, it will be my hubby and my 40th wedding anniversary and the last day I saw my wonderful grandma alive. We went down to her house in our wedding outfits to see her. We called a couple times on our honeymoon to see how she was doing. We came home early so I could see her one last time but she died but we were 30 minutes to late. I still miss her dearly! I would have loved for our 3 children to have known her. She was one of a kind.. I try so hard to be a Grandma like she was.. You are in my thoughts and prayers for days to come. Travel safely. Susie

Assuming this is Oncosiphon,some people asked for seeds and I would be glad to provide some but have no idea how to get seeds. I'm not a real gardener, just wanted to know the name of this plant that is all over the foothills north of Phoenix. So if someone could give me a few instructions re how to collect seeds I would be happy to send some off when they are ready. thanks Caroline (OP) Cave Creek AZ

I think you will benefit from reading this. Pay particular attention to the part that talks about flushing the soil as part of getting the plant headed toward better vitality. Safe temps outdoors are above 60* during the day and/or when night temps are reliably above 55* They like the 72-82* range best. If growers would set their benchmark for the minimum standard as a soil you can water correctly w/o the plant paying a toll due to prolonged periods of soil saturation. Yes, it's convenient to water only every 3-4 weeks, but soils that can go that long between waterings are very limiting in terms of lost potential in several areas, growth health, and eye appeal being the big 3. There are many ways to get there, but all require a lot of chunky material in the medium and only small volumes of fine material (peat, coir, compost, composted forest products, sand, .........). These are the two basic soils I make and use: You can SEE with the mind's eye how fast they will drain and how much aeration they offer roots. Healthy roots are an essential prerequisite for healthy plants. "If the roots ain't happy, ain't no part of the plant happy." The fertilizer you're using is what I used up until about 6-7 years ago when I discovered there was such a product as Foliage-Pro 9-3-6 by Dyna-Gro, which is what I use now for virtually everything I grow. I'm very pleased with how it performs, especially with plants grown in low light - like most houseplants. As long as the soil you're using has been limed or you make provisions to ensure your plant has a source of Ca and Mg, the 24-8-16 will work well. If you ck the label, you'll see a glaring absence of those 2 very important nutrients. Cut the tops back in June if you get the plant headed in the right direction. A healthy plant responds much more robustly to pruning than a plant just getting by. Follow the watering tips/instructions at the link I left for you to read. I'd invest a dollar or two in a 5/16" wood dowel and sharpen the ends in a pencil sharpener so it can be used as a 'tell' that will let you know when it's time to water. Al