In a Vase: Christmas Red

rose mister lincoln in the monday vase

A red rose for Christmas...

 

I had available a perfect (and enormous at five inches across) bloom from "Mister Lincoln", as well as much smaller flowers from the miniature rose "Daniela".  So I decided to make an all-red bouquet using the roses, as well as red and russet foliage from Hamelia patens.  All the red tones are accented only with the pale feathers of Muhlenbergia lindheimeri "Autumn Glow", now drying on their long, crisp stems.

the monday vase

While the cool temperatures we've been having have left the more exposed tropicals rather unhappy, the roses are thriving.  They do love the warm days and near-frosty nights!

 

I wish I could post the scent, Mister Lincoln's other beauty.

rose mister lincoln

Daniela has also come into its own with the change in weather.

I love to combine the two!

Hamelia patens still carries a few sprays of scarlet-orange flowers, but it was picked for the mahogany leaves, one of the few plants to supply autumn or, more accurately, winter color in this garden...

foliage of hamelia patens with muhlenbergia flowers

...as well as fruits - a bit difficult to see, I admit!  These turn eventually from bright red to deep purple-black.  I've only just learned they are edible and come from the coffee family, Rubiaceae.  I'm not the sort that puts unknown garden fruits in my mouth readily, but eventually I will have to try these.  

I had first intended to use some white lantana, but it was among those plants damaged (very lightly!) by a few nasty winter nights.  Also, its scent is not particularly pleasant in combination with roses... in my opinion anyway!  I think the grass flowers were much more satisfactory!

 

The pot was handbuilt from red clay and used unglazed.  With use, it is holding water better - losing some of its porosity over time.  Who knew...?

the monday vase

I hope all of you had a lovely Christmastime!

 

I have a New Year's resolution of posting the first IAVOM on the day instead of late...! ;-)  By then I think all of us will have settled into our new schedule.

 

There are plenty of lovely Christmas vases to see; do check Rambling in the Garden to enjoy them!

miniature red rose Daniela

Weather Diary: Mostly cloudy; High: 67 F (19 C)/Low: 36 F (2 C); Humidity: 18%-56%

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Comments: 8
  • #1

    Kris P (Tuesday, 26 December 2017 21:57)

    It a very graceful composition, Amy, and the color scheme is right on point for the time of year. You make me wish I had a 'Mr Lincoln' in my own garden.

  • #2

    Chloris (Wednesday, 27 December 2017 05:02)

    Gorgeous! How wonderful to have this perfect red rose looking good for Christmas. I love your clay pot.

  • #3

    Loree / danger garden (Wednesday, 27 December 2017 12:23)

    That is just so luscious! What a perfect combination.

  • #4

    Diana Studer (Wednesday, 27 December 2017 15:06)

    Do you stand your unglazed vase on a glazed saucer?
    Then any damp wouldn't matter.

  • #5

    Amy@smallsunnygarden (Thursday, 28 December 2017 23:50)

    Kris - Thanks very much! :) I'm glad I finally decided to add Mister Lincoln to the North Border. It has always been among my very favorite roses - though its gawky growth habit leaves a good deal to be desired...

  • #6

    Amy@smallsunnygarden (Friday, 29 December 2017 00:13)

    Chloris - After months of not blooming at all, that rose is in full swing for the cooler seasons. Thank you so much! :)

  • #7

    Amy@smallsunnygarden (Friday, 29 December 2017 00:14)

    Big thank you, Loree! :)

  • #8

    Amy@smallsunnygarden (Friday, 29 December 2017 00:16)

    Diana - I sometimes place it on a glazed trivet, though this time it actually ended up on our steel countertop, where the damp was no problem.