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Tree morning glory The tree morning glory ( Ipomoea arborescens) is a plant coming from the family Convolvulaceae. It grows fast and produces semi-succulent stems. You see lovely pink or lavender blooms in late autumn and the winter months. This 8-foot to 10-foot beautiful small tree needs full sun and is drought resistant. If you have the room, this […]
African tulip tree The African tulip (Spathodea campanulate) is the tallest of North American hardwoods, growing to 100 feet or more and used in making furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, and wood veneer.The tree grows up to 6 feet per year, is shade tolerant, and re-sprouts after cutting. The seeds are numerous, wind-dispersed, can contaminate other […]
Wild coffee is a native shrub that makes for a versatile addition to your landscape in southern Florida. This lovely, graceful shrub that produces red berries similar to coffee beans will attract lots of birds in your garden.As a member of the family Rubiacea, the shiny evergreen leaves have very deeply impressed veins. The tiny […]
Gardenias Gardenias are generally found outdoors in southern regions and are admired for their glossy green foliage and fragrant blossoms. These beautiful plants are grown as ornamental shrubs in warm regions.However, they are very particular about their growing conditions and require some consistent maintenance in order to keep beautiful. Once you understand what a gardenia […]
Ornamental pineapples Like all pineapples, they are a type of bromeliad. Originated in tropical America and the Caribbean, explorers have moved the pineapple to all tropical parts of the world. Ornamental pineapples are grown just for their looks, while the edible pineapple is a standard fruit appreciated worldwide. It’s prettier relative, the ornamental pineapple, is […]
Orchids are the most intriguing flowering plants. And they are very easy to grow.I am going to tell you about Phalaenopsis, the moth orchid. It is one of the most common and the easiest to grow in Florida. It is an especially good choice for a beginner. They are large and come in a wide […]
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) The common names have alluded that the crown of thorns worn by Christ at the time of his crucifixion was made from stems of this plant. They are pliable and can be intertwined into a circle. It’s a native to Madagascar, and thought to have been brought to the Middle […]
Yellow, five-petaled buttercup-like flowers bloom prolifically on this butterfly bush. Commonly called Cuban Buttercup or yellow alder. Growing buttercup bushes provide continued blossoms.Botanically called Turnera ulmifolisa, this spreading ground cover or small bush brightens up bare spots in the landscape with bright yellow flowers that bloom in the morning and last all day.The rewards of […]
Poinsettias The familiar red poinsettias, which are a favorite flower for the holiday season, every year grow well in this area – given the proper care.The bright-red petals are actually leaves in the top of the plant; they surround the actual flowers, which are yellow or green and accent the center of the display. Natives […]
Hibiscus The hibiscus, which loves the Florida climate, is a popular flower here. Although most are red, the colors actually range from white through pink, yellow, orange, lavender, and even blue. They all have five large petals, and some exotic ones are beautifully ruffled.It’s part of the Malvaceae family.It likes some fertilizer twice a year […]