Illustration in book - what plant is this?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Arlandria, May 25, 2020.

  1. Arlandria

    Arlandria Gardener

    Joined:
    May 22, 2020
    Messages:
    135
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Parent/Carer
    Location:
    Surrey, zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +284
    When I was a kid I loved Judith Kerr's Mog books. Now my daughter loves them too.

    I've always remembered this picture from the books, with the beautiful pink flowers, and I'd love to have this plant in my garden as a little nod to Mog.

    What plant do you think it is? I was thinking hydrangea, but the spiky leaves made me think rhododendron. Neither seems quite the perfect match!

    [​IMG]
     
  2. KFF

    KFF Total Gardener

    Joined:
    May 30, 2017
    Messages:
    3,741
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Worcestershire
    Ratings:
    +5,890
    Hi @Ariandria , I think it's just an artist's made up thingy. The flowers could be Hydrangea, Rhododendron or Kalmia but the leaves look made up.
     
  3. Arlandria

    Arlandria Gardener

    Joined:
    May 22, 2020
    Messages:
    135
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Parent/Carer
    Location:
    Surrey, zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +284
    I suspect it's based on an actual plant from her childhood garden - Judith Kerr illustrated the books as well as writing them, and has spoken before about her childhood's influence on both.

    It may be that she's misremembered it or taken some artistic license, and that's why it doesn't look like a particular plant?

    In any case it doesn't have to be an exact match, it's just me being soppy and nostalgic :smile: The meaning is the same whether it's the "right" plant or not, but if there is one that looks just like it, I'd love to know.
     
  4. KFF

    KFF Total Gardener

    Joined:
    May 30, 2017
    Messages:
    3,741
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Worcestershire
    Ratings:
    +5,890
    Hi Ariandria ,

    If you want that sort of look have a look at growing a Fatsia Japonica and a Hydrangea such as " Forever Pink " together.

    If you plant them about two/three ft apart then after a year or so you could train/weave the branches so they grow into each other.

    That should give you the look you want.
     
  5. KFF

    KFF Total Gardener

    Joined:
    May 30, 2017
    Messages:
    3,741
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Worcestershire
    Ratings:
    +5,890
    I'm so sorry :(

    I've been getting your name wrong.... Why didn't you tell me .

    @Arlandria
     
  6. Arlandria

    Arlandria Gardener

    Joined:
    May 22, 2020
    Messages:
    135
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Parent/Carer
    Location:
    Surrey, zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +284
    That's a brilliant idea! I'll look into it, thank you :)

    It's not a big deal and not my real name :)
     
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
    • Arlandria

      Arlandria Gardener

      Joined:
      May 22, 2020
      Messages:
      135
      Gender:
      Female
      Occupation:
      Parent/Carer
      Location:
      Surrey, zone 8b
      Ratings:
      +284
      I've had a Google and I've settled on a Rhododendron 'Pink Cherub' as being a very close match:

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • KFF

        KFF Total Gardener

        Joined:
        May 30, 2017
        Messages:
        3,741
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Worcestershire
        Ratings:
        +5,890
        Nice choice @Arlandria , just remember that the Rhododendron likes acid conditions so if you plant it in neutral/alkaline soil it will need top dressing with ericaceous compost and regular feeding with rhodo/azalea/camellia food.

        My acid loving plants are all in MPC but receive a yearly mulch with ericaceous compost and regular feeding with the special feed which is cheap from Wilkinsons.
         
      • Arlandria

        Arlandria Gardener

        Joined:
        May 22, 2020
        Messages:
        135
        Gender:
        Female
        Occupation:
        Parent/Carer
        Location:
        Surrey, zone 8b
        Ratings:
        +284
        Yup, I've got a rose near where I'd like to put it so I think the soil is probably in the right ballpark, but have ordered a pH meter to check :smile:
         
      Loading...

      Share This Page

      1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
        By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
        Dismiss Notice