The Ugly Stepsister – The Floral Edition

Tropical bird of paradise
Sometimes, life isn’t fair. Especially when nature hasn’t endowed you with any noticeable outward beauty. What makes it worse is that you are a flower and are supposed to be pretty.

What makes it worse is that you are a flower and are supposed to be pretty
What makes it worse, is when you are compared to your ‘sister’ who is drop-dead gorgeous.

Vibrant colors and exquisite shape
Imagine having to stare at her vibrant colors and exquisite shape all day long?

Beautiful tropical bird of paradise bloom
It doesn’t matter which angle you use, there is no improving your outward appearance. So you decide to concentrate on inner growth and decide to be the best flower you can be on the inside.

*When I spotted this forlorn flower next to its spectacular companion, I immediately thought of the story of the ‘ugly stepsisters’ from Cinderella – one who is having a ‘bad hair’ day.
In actuality, this bedraggled flower used to be a beautiful tropical bird of paradise bloom (like its companion), but its lifespan is nearing an end and it will soon be clipped off.
I hope you enjoyed the floral edition of the ‘Ugly Stepsister’.
Drought-Tolerant Landscapes – Colorful or Boring?


I’m slow! I hadn’t even thought of a spent bloom vs. a fresh one with your Instagram post. Must get more rest…
Hi Noelle,
This post hits my funny bone. My family always laughs at me when I anthropomorphize my plants! But I can totally see the disgruntled look on the ‘ugly step sister’s’ face. haha
On a garden-y note. I have a question. Have you ever grown hyssop/agastache in the Phoenix area?
Have a great day
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
I grew agastache for the first time last year. It did very well, flower in spring. I am looking forward for it to do the same this year.
Hi David,
As always, I appreciate your thoughts. The tropical BOP really do have comical flowers, once they fade.