Plants that you have looked for and finally found

aftermidnight

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I saw this plant in a mixed container back in the early 90's, the search was on. Not knowing it's name that made the search even harder. Finally I found out what is was 'Persian Shield' but still couldn't find it.
About 3 years ago in a little out of the way garden center there it was, a whole flat full, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I bought 3 plants and have taken cuttings every fall to keep it going. Wouldn't you know it this year every garden center I went to was carrying it as basket stuffers o_O.

Still, I'm not going to take any chances of losing it so each year I put the mother plant in my cool greenhouse for the winter cut it back in the spring and get another gorgeous plant by late spring, I also take cuttings as a backup. I know it's classed as a throw away plant but I just love the coloring. Although only grown as an annual up here, and probably a common plant to a lot of you, to me it has become a favorite. I sent rooted cutting to another plantaholic back east, she had also been looking for it for a very long time. We plant obsessed people have to stick together:).
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Have you ever searched for a plant and finally found it? Exciting isn't it, only another plant addict will understand this:lol:.

I have another plant I really like it's one of these sun loving coleus, they don't flower. Yes I know they have changed the name but I still refer to them as Coleus. This one I saw in a container at a friend of DS#1. I knew it was a coleus but no one knew the variety. I begged a couple of cuttings and rooted them on the kitchen window sill. Over the winter thanks to the internet I found the variety name 'Henna'. Lime green on the upper leaf and a rusty color on the underside, which can change depending on how much sun it gets. The undersides of the mother plant I took the cuttings from had turned an almost florescent purple, it was eye popping gorgeous. Looking for the variety 'Red Head' now.
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...and a little hitchhiker :)
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I just took these pictures, it's a dull day so the coloring of these is a little off, it really is quite striking.

How about you, show me your little or big treasure that eluded you but you finally found.

Annette
 

journey11

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Henna! Now that is one I was looking for the name of. I figured it must be a coleus, although its edges are a little toothier than most. Love that color contrast. I saw this plant a couple of weeks ago on Instagram, a pic posted by a botanical garden I like, but didn't give the name. Thank you, Annette, and serendipity! :)

Your Persian Shield is lovely too. I can see why you treasure it. Those leaves just have a magical glow about them.

I keep a board on my Pinterest for my plant wishlist. Most I have the names of, but am either looking for a source to buy them, or waiting until I can afford to buy them, or maybe just something I saw on here and needed a place to stick it where I'd remember it eventually. ;) A couple I have obtained already. You can see my list if you click the link.
 

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