Hesperoyucca whipplei is blooming at the Garden! This amazing plant is native to the southern half of California and the northern half of Baja California. It was long classified as a Yucca, under the name Yucca whipplei, but its flowering habit is like that of an Agave - storing up energy for many years, and then putting everything into a large flowering stalk that shoots up like an asparagus. Also, this one has a very distinctive color and look. RBG Curator, Brian . . #yelpeastbay #diablo #walnutcreekca #tour #publicgarden #eastbaynursery #rareplants #waterwise #interestingfacts #plantlove #succulents #ruthbancroftgarden #ruthbancroftgardennursery #botanicalgarden #walnutcreekca #diablo #publicgarden #succulent #cactus #xeriscape #drygarden #getoutdoors . 
Another blooming beauty. This Echeveria ‘Lace’, and many others with frilly leaf margins, were made by hybridizers seeking to exaggerate a quality sometimes found in populations of Echeveria gibbiflora, widely found in southern Mexico. This species always has large fleshy paddle-like leaves, and occasionally plants have undulating margins. By cross-breeding the individuals with the waviest edges, many cultivars have been created that show this feature more strongly than any plants you would see in nature. Echeveria ‘Lace’ was grown by Ruth for many years. The large flower stalks with pastel blossoms, lasting a long time during the winter months, are icing on the cake! Come see it this weekend blooming underneath our frost-protecting shade structure towards the center of the Garden. RBG Curator, Brian . . . .#echeveria .#yelpeastbay #diablo #walnutcreekca #tour #publicgarden #eastbaynursery #rareplants #waterwise #interestingfacts #plantlove #succulents #ruthbancroftgarden #ruthbancroftgardennursery #botanicalgarden #walnutcreekca #diablo #publicgarden #succulent #cactus #xeriscape #drygarden #getoutdoors 
This Bulbine sp. was grown from a seed collected plant in South Africa’s Tanqua Karoo region to the south of Calvinia. This area gets mostly winter rainfall, but not much of it. The yellow flowers with fuzzy stamens are typical of the genus Bulbine, which belongs to the Asphodel Family. -Brian Kemble (Curator) . . . . #tumblr #curator #yelpeastbay #diablo #walnutcreekca #eastbaynursery #rareplants #publicgarden #garden #plants #succulents #cactus #waterwise #botanicalgarden 
Today, we're featuring Weberbauerocereus winterianus. We were not sure how well this columnar cactus from Peru would do in our northern California garden, but it has adjusted very well to our winter rainfall pattern and occasional dips below freezing. Its winter flowers are a joy, but we must appreciate them in the morning, since they do not stay open all that long in the daytime. This is common with bat-pollinated cacti, and we assume that bats are the natural pollinators in habitat. Weberbauerocereus has long been considered close to Haageocereus, but DNA research seems to indicate it is actually closer to Cleistocactus. Brian (Curator) . . . . #tumblr #curator #yelpeastbay #diablo #walnutcreekca #eastbaynursery #rareplants #publicgarden #garden #plants #succulents #cactus #waterwise #botanicalgarden 
Cephalophyllum ‘Red Spike’ putting on a show at RBG 
Gardening in an area defined by arid summers and soggy winters can be challenging. But gardens can thrive in such conditions, and this newly published book, “Gardening in Summer-Dry Climates,” explores a myriad of plants and practices that will help you succeed. Join photographer @saxonholt for a preview of his new publication as he explains how plants adapt to the climate and how topography and climate relate. Go to Linkin.bio for more info and to RSVP for the Sat. (2/27) webinar at 10am. (Schedule conflict? No problem! The lecture will be recorded and available for a later viewing.) . . . . #ruthbancroftgarden #ruthbancroftgardennursery #botanicalgarden #walnutcreekca #diablo #publicgarden #succulent #cactus #xeriscape #drygarden 
Sun's out and the Garden's aloes are looking spectacular. Come visit now to see them in peak bloom. We promise it will brighten your day and brighten your mood. 
Come see this unique Agave victoriae-reginae in the Garden or use this image for your Zoom background! We just added new images for Zoom backgrounds - check them out! See the link in our Linkin.bio. . . . . . #ruthbancroftgarden #ruthbancroftgardennursery #zoombackgrounds #botanicalgarden #plantnursery #yelpeastbay #eastbaynursery #walnutcreekca #diablo #publicgarden #succulents #cacti #rareplants #homeandgarden #wildgarden #ourgardensyourhome #historicgarden #gardenview #gardensofinstagram #instagarden #gardengram #historicsite 
Hakea is an Australian genus in the Protea Family, with many species found in the Mediterranean-climate area in the south and west of the country. The plant pictured is Hakea francisiana, found in the states of Western Australia and South Australia. It is a tall-growing shrub to about 15 feet high (4.5 m), and this winter it is putting on an amazing floral display. Brian Kemble (Curator) For more glimpses of the plant collection at the #RuthBancroftGarden, go to Linkin.bio for Brian's Tumblr link. . . . . #tumblr #curator #yelpeastbay #diablo #walnutcreekca #eastbaynursery #rareplants #publicgarden #garden #plants #succulents #cactus #waterwise #botanicalgarden #ruthbancroftgarden #eastbaygardens #ruthbancroftgardenandnursery