Common Flower Gems - Classification # 12 - White Campion/Bladder Campion/Grave Flower/Flower of the Dead (Silene latifolia)

I spotted this white 5 petal flower during my daily walk in the park. I noticed the inflated calyx which quickly helped me identify it afterwards. Apparently in England these flowers are often seen at grave sites hence its other name Grave Flower.

Check out this Wiki link to learn more about the Bladder Campion

Common Flower Gems - Classification # 11 - Asiatic Dayflower/Mouse Ears/Dew Herb (Commelina communis)

This one was a great find. A very different flower find I'd have to say due to this plants characteristics. It has two large blue mouse shaped petals hence mouse ears and some bright yellow anthers that look like sun rays in a blue sky. 

Check out this Wiki link to learn more about the Asiatic Dayflower

Bloom 2015 - Blue Bachelors Button/Cornflower (Centaurea Montana)

Life Cycle: Annual

Uses: Ornamental, Borders, Cut Flowers

Sun: Full Sun

Soil: Neutral-Alkaline

Water: Lightly

Spread: 10-12 Inches

Bloom Duration: 8 Weeks

Height: 30 Inches

This vibrant blue really broke up the fiery color theme I had with my golden Marigolds, yellow Zinnia, and Crimson Rambler. 

Photo of some wild mixed white and purple cornflowers I came across

I saw a wild mixed white and pink cornflower variation while strolling through my local park the other day. Leaf shape does looks a bit different compared to the one I'm growing so it might a different plant altogether. Very similar characteristics so I'll call it a bachelor's button find. 

Bloom 2015 - Morning Glory : Crimson Rambler (Ipomoea purpurea)

Life Cycle: Annual

Uses: Beds, Borders, Cut Flowers

Sun: Full Sun

Soil: Slightly Acidic or Alkaline

Water: Moderately

Spread: 10 - 12 Inches

Bloom Duration: 12 Weeks

Height: 10 - 13 Feet

Bloom 2015 - Pansy (Viola tricolor)

Life Cycle: Annual 

Uses: Beds, Container 

Sun: Full Sun, Part Sun 

Height: 6  inches

Spread: 8-10  inches

Sowing Method: Indoor Sow 

Bloom Duration: 12  weeks

These pansies were really a break from all the yellow/orange colors from my sunflower, zinnia, and marigolds. These small flowers reminded me of my impatiens which I have the urge to grow again. I noticed theres a black Pansy variety and I think I'll try growing some of those soon.

Bloom 2015 - Dwarf Sunflower Sunny Smile (Helianthus gracilentus)

LifeCycle: Annual 

Uses: Beds, Container 

Sun: Full Sun 

Height: 14-16  inches

Spread: 6-8  inches

Sowing Method: Direct Sow/Indoor Sow 

Bloom Duration: 5 weeks

These Dwarf Sunflowers are going to be a must-have every year, they are amazing plants to grow for the Spring./Summer. This highly anticipated bloom was fast and easy to grow and interesting to see as it progressed to the flowering stage. The difference a larger container makes really shows when you compare the sunflower in the small coffee container with the one grown in the other square container. One thing I noticed was that it attracted a bunch of bees and other weird insects which was an issue during watering since I wasn't taking my chances and getting stung watering. This was one thirsty plant by the way, I watered it twice daily about half a liter at one point. Its past the end of its bloom duration now and I plan on harvesting its seeds for next year. 

Common Flower Gems - Classification #10 Low False Bindweed (Calystegia spithamaea)

I found this low growing white and funnel shaped flower in the Jersey Area near my job. At first I thought it was just some field bindweed but upon closer inspection I noticed it was growing straight up from the ground without any twisting vines but a low erect stalk. A pretty interesting find and a common flower gem indeed.