Sea Hibiscus, Talipariti tiliaceum

Sea Hibiscus

Talipariti tiliaceum

also known as - Beach Hibiscus, Cottontree, Mahoe, Coastal Hibiscus,
Hibiscus tiliaceus
Green Cottonwood, Native Hibiscus, Native Rosella, Cottonwood Hibiscus, Kurrajong, Sea Rosemallow, Norfolk Hibiscus

I'm writing to tell you about one of my favorite plants, the Sea Hibiscus. This beautiful plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, and it's a must-have for any gardener who wants to add a touch of exotic beauty to their garden.

But what makes the Sea Hibiscus such a special plant? Well, for starters, it's absolutely stunning. The Sea Hibiscus features large, showy flowers that come in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. These flowers are so breathtaking that they're often used in traditional Hawaiian leis and other floral arrangements.

But the Sea Hibiscus isn't just a pretty face. This hardy plant is also quite easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, but it can also tolerate some shade and a variety of soil types.

One of the things I love most about the Sea Hibiscus is its versatility. It can be grown as a large shrub or small tree, and it's often used as a hedge or privacy screen. It's also a great choice for adding a tropical feel to a garden or patio, and it looks stunning when planted near water features like ponds or fountains.

Another great thing about the Sea Hibiscus is that it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to support local wildlife. And because it's a fast-growing plant, it can quickly provide shade and shelter for other plants and animals in your garden.

If you're thinking about adding a Sea Hibiscus to your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you choose a healthy plant from a reputable nursery or garden center. Look for plants with bright green leaves and no signs of damage or disease.

Once you've brought your Sea Hibiscus home, be sure to plant it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather, and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer every few months.

With a little bit of care and attention, your Sea Hibiscus will reward you with years of beauty and enjoyment. So why not give it a try? I promise you won't be disappointed.

Happy gardening, Amazon can provide any need for Sea Hibiscus (#ad). (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Cigar Plant, Cuphea ignea

Cigar Plant

Cuphea ignea
Originated in Africa.

Synonyms: Firecracker Plant, Cuphea platycentra

Grows best in zones 8a to 11. The blooms are red to reddish orange. Seems to self seed.

Are you looking for a unique and eye-catching plant to add to your garden? Look no further than the Cigar Plant! This tropical plant, also known as Cuphea ignea, is sure to captivate your attention with its fascinating appearance and easy-to-care-for nature.

Originating from Mexico, Central and South America, the Cigar Plant is a member of the Lythraceae family. This family includes over 620 species of plants, all of which are known for their showy flowers and bright colors. The Cigar Plant is no exception, featuring vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

One of the most interesting features of the Cigar Plant is its unique, tube-shaped flowers. These flowers resemble cigars, hence the name of the plant, and grow up to 2 inches long. They are often compared to tiny torches, as they seem to blaze with color in the sunlight.

In addition to its striking appearance, the Cigar Plant is also incredibly easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering, but it can tolerate drought and heat. This makes it an ideal choice for gardeners who live in warm, dry climates, or who simply don't have a lot of time to devote to plant maintenance.

Another benefit of the Cigar Plant is its ability to attract pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are all drawn to the bright colors and sweet nectar of the plant's flowers. This can help to increase biodiversity in your garden and promote a healthy ecosystem.

If you're interested in adding a Cigar Plant to your garden, there are several different varieties to choose from. Some popular options include:

David Verity: This variety features bright orange flowers with a yellow tip. It grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms from spring through fall.

Tiny Mice: This miniature version of the Cigar Plant only grows up to 12 inches tall. It features red and yellow flowers and is ideal for containers or small gardens.

Starfire: This cultivar has deep red flowers with yellow tips. It grows up to 2 feet tall and blooms from spring through fall.

No matter which variety you choose, the Cigar Plant is sure to impress. Its unique appearance, easy care, and ability to attract pollinators make it a standout choice for any garden. So why not give it a try? You won't be disappointed!

Happy gardening, Amazon can provide any need for Cigar Plant (#ad). (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Naranjilla, Solanum quitoense

Naranjilla

Solanum quitoense

Synonyms: Solanum angulatum, Quito orange, Golden Fruit of the Andes, Bed of Nails and Lulo

Naranjilla

The plant is fascinating, with large heart-shaped leaves up to 18 in. in length. The leaves and stems of the plant are blanketed in short purple hairs. They are fragile plants and must be shielded from intense winds and direct sunlight.

The Naranjilla Solanum quitoense is a tomato relative native to northern South America and it is raised commonly at high elevations, between 3 and 7 thousand feet. The plant might grow to heights of 6 to 10 feet with extra large spiny leaves, sometimes measuring 18 inches long, and 5 to 8 in. wide or larger. The dark green leaves bear purple veins on the upper surface and whitish or purplish on the lower side.

The pear-shaped berries are covered with short, stiff hairs that are pretty promptly deciduous so that they are hairless or almost so when they reach the marketplace. At prime the fruits, 2 to 3 in. in diameter, are orange, which is accountable for the Spanish name meaning "little orange." The flesh or pulp of the fruit, nonetheless, is green. The aroma and flavor are uncomparable, but many individuals have swore a likeness to a mix of strawberries and pineapple, Other people swore to that of citrus. The fruit is loaded in vitamins A and C.

It likes regular watering and can withstand short temperatures below freezing. It is easily grown in a container, and is frequently done so in regions with nematode problems as it is open to root nematodes. The plant is believed to be a abbreviated day plant, and might only set fruit if there are 8 to 10 daytime hours.

Danger in the handling of the plant might cause skin irritation or allergic response. It has spines or sharp edges; use utmost care when handling. The plant has white or near white bloom color in the middle of summer. Can be propagated from seed or dividing the root ball.

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Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

Use Lemon Balm in herbal teas as well as adding handfulls to regular sweet tea. It gives a container of sweet tea a nice, fresh lemony flavor without having to buy lemons or lemon juice.

This plant is in the mint family and grows with all the vigor and zest you would expect from a mint. The foliage makes an interesting enhancer against other plants but it needs to be planted either in shade or around hardy shrubs that won't be overwhelmed by its growth habits.

Very invasive, however it is said to have medicinal uses. Fresh or dried leaf tea was used as a folk remedy for fevers, painful menstruation, headaches, colds and insomnia. Used as a mild sedative. The leaves were pulverized for treating sores, tumors and insect bites.

While it is used in tea breads & herbal teas, and as a garnish for fish dishes & lemonade, the lemon scent is more in line with lemon furniture polish than true lemon. It does, however, make a nice perennial addition to the herb garden, either as part of a lemon-scented herb collection or as a part of a shady bed.

In order to keep this plant from becoming an invasive pest, remove all the flowers before they fade & set seed.

Lemon balm is a wonderful herb grown for its strong lemon flavor and aroma. Plants grow up to two feet tall with white unnoticeable flowers. The leaves can be used in teas, salads, and cooking. Its leaves will loose flavor after drying so it’s best to use fresh.

Plants grow quickly and it spreads to form large clumps, which some gardeners consider to be invasive. Deadheading after flowering is recommended because seedlings can be a nuisance to control. It grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

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Propagation Methods:
-From nonwoody stem cuttings
-Seed Collect: Allow seedheads to dry on plants

Additional info:
-This plant attracts bees, butterflies and birds
-Flowers are fragrant
-Drought-tolerant; suited for xeriscaping
-normal Water Needs; Water on a regular basis; do not over water
-Requires constant moist(not wet) soil; do not let dry out between watering
-Self-sows In a free manner; deadhead if you do not want unwanted seedlings next season
-Bloom Time: Mid Summer-Early Fall
-Hardiness: USDA Zone 4a - 9b

Forsythia Sage

Forsythia Sage

salvia madrensis

This plant is from Northeastern Mexico that blooms in the fall or winter in mild areas. Grows to about 6 feet and seems to be invasive in some regions. May die back in the cold winter but with mulch will come back profusely. Some say grows best in part shade, some say in full sun. Hummingbirds love this salvia if they stay late in the fall. Try propagating from softwood cuttings or simple layering.

Synonyms: salvia madrensis

As the spring season approaches, I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to a beautiful and versatile plant that is sure to enhance your garden: Forsythia Sage. This plant is a member of the Salvia family, and it has a lot to offer in terms of both beauty and functionality.

Let's start with its appearance. Forsythia Sage has an abundance of vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in the early spring. These flowers sit atop tall, sturdy stems and provide a striking contrast to the plant's dark green foliage. As the flowers fade, they give way to attractive seed heads that can add texture and interest to your garden throughout the summer.

But Forsythia Sage isn't just a pretty face. It is also an incredibly useful plant to have in your garden. This plant is known for its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy and thriving garden. And because Forsythia Sage is drought-tolerant, it can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it ideal for gardeners with different levels of experience and expertise.

In addition to its pollinator-friendly qualities, Forsythia Sage is also a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. The plant's leaves and flowers contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps.

So how can you incorporate Forsythia Sage into your garden? The possibilities are endless. This plant is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It looks great as a border plant, mixed in with other flowering perennials, or even in a container garden. And because it is a low-maintenance plant, it is perfect for busy gardeners who want to add some beauty and functionality to their outdoor spaces without a lot of extra work.

In conclusion, Forsythia Sage is a plant that every gardener should consider adding to their collection. Its stunning appearance, pollinator-friendly qualities, and medicinal properties make it a true standout in any garden. So why not give it a try this spring? Your garden (and your body) will thank you.

Happy gardening! Amazon can provide any need for Forsythia Sage (#ad). ( I will receive compensation if you buy).

Caladiums

Caladium bicolor

'Carolyn Wharton'

Normally a tropical plant but can be grown in most of southern USA.

Caladium is actually a variety of blooming plants in the arum family. It is usually identified through the popular names elephant ear, Heart of Jesus and Angel Wings. You can find more than one thousand termed cultivars of Caladium bicolor in the primary South American perennial.

The variety Caladium contains 7 species, that are native of Brazil and also to nearby regions of South and Central America. It will grow within open regions of the woodland as well as on slopes of streams and also turn inactive throughout the dry period. The actual wild plants mature to 14 to 40 inches (38 to 95 cm) in height, with leaves largely 5 to 15 inches (16 to 44 cm) in length and width.

Farming and Functions

Many species tend to be developed as decorative plants because of their huge, arrow head shaped leaves noticeable in various designs in pink, white and red, to some degree resembling the not related coleus, and been around in farming in Europe ever since the 19th century. The 2 varieties most generally grown are known as fancyleaved and lanceleaved. The first kind may be the more normally noticed and is the original caladium of development. The leaves tend to be heart-shaped. These offers lance-head-shaped leaves. The majority of Caladiums in farming grow to approximately 25 inches (65 cm) in heigth and 25 inches (65 cm) widespread, even though dwarf types have reached cultivation.

Quite a few cultivars are picked, a lot of them, 130 produced from C. bicolor. The lanceleaved types are produced of C. schomburgkii.

Caladiums develop from solid swollen underground bulb-shaped stem and may be spread by separating the tubers. These are sturdy just to the USDA hardiness zone 11; in cooler locations, they're usually developed as raw bulbs or as house plants.

Throughout their growing time, they require significant amounts of water and must not be permitted to dry up. Many types favor part to total shade, though sun-resistant kinds have reached cultivation. Around 95% of most caladium bulbs are usually come from Lake Placid, Florida.

Inside temperate locations, they need to be removed prior to the 1st frost. The corms become dried out and stashed away because of the winter season any time temps drop to 60 F (16 C), and kept reasonably dried out over the winter with temperatures somewhere between 55 F (12 C) and 60 F (17 C).

Many components of the plant are usually deadly. These must not be consumed and could aggravate delicate skin.

Community Exhibits

Each and every August, an event is done in Florida, the place to find most our planet's caladium areas. The favorite function is a visit to the areas of caladiums, the merchandise of neighborhood farmers. Just about every July from 2003, a Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, have exhibited the Florida Caladium Showcase, one of the most important outdoor and indoor show of these plants, which includes brand new types.

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Tulips

Darwin Hybrid Tulips

Tulipa 'Gudoshnik'

Picture is of tulip farm located close to Seattle Washington.

As the weather starts to warm up, many of us are excited to start planning our garden for the upcoming season. If you're looking for a colorful and easy-to-grow flower, tulips may be the perfect choice for you. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newcomer to the hobby, tulips are a fantastic addition to any garden.

Tulips are one of the most popular spring-blooming flowers, and for good reason. They come in a variety of colors, from pale pastels to bold, bright hues, and their unique trumpet-shaped blooms add a touch of elegance to any garden. But tulips aren't just pretty to look at – they're also incredibly easy to care for.

One of the great things about tulips is that they're very adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. They thrive in well-draining soil and prefer full sun or partial shade. Tulips should be planted in the fall, before the ground freezes, in order to establish healthy roots before the winter months. They should be planted about 6-8 inches deep and spaced about 4-6 inches apart.

Tulips are also very low-maintenance once they're planted. They don't require much water, especially once they begin to bloom, and they don't need to be fertilized. In fact, over-fertilizing can actually harm the bulbs, so it's best to avoid it altogether.

One thing to keep in mind with tulips is that they tend to have a shorter blooming period than some other flowers. Most tulips will bloom for about 2-3 weeks, depending on the weather and other growing conditions. However, if you plant a variety of tulips with different bloom times, you can extend the flowering period and enjoy tulips in your garden for several weeks.

When it comes to choosing which tulips to plant, there are endless options to choose from. Some popular varieties include:

Single Early Tulips: These are the classic tulips that bloom in early spring. They come in a variety of colors and are great for adding a pop of color to your garden.

Darwin Hybrid Tulips: These tulips are known for their large, sturdy blooms that come in a wide range of colors. They're also very long-lasting and can bloom for several weeks.

Fringed Tulips: These tulips have unique fringed edges on their petals, which adds an extra touch of texture and interest to your garden.

Parrot Tulips: These tulips have ruffled petals that are often two-tone in color, giving them a unique and striking appearance.

Double Late Tulips: These tulips have full, fluffy blooms that come in a range of colors. They're great for adding a touch of romance to your garden.

No matter which type of tulip you choose, they're sure to add a beautiful touch to your garden. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even mix and match different varieties to create a truly unique and eye-catching display.

In addition to their beauty and ease of care, tulips also have a rich history and cultural significance. Tulips originated in Turkey and were first brought to Europe in the 16th century. They quickly became a popular and valuable commodity, with prices skyrocketing during what is now known as "Tulip Mania" in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Today, tulips are a symbol of love and are often associated with the Netherlands, where they're still grown in vast quantities.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower to add to your garden this spring, tulips are an excellent choice. With their wide range of colors, adaptability to different growing conditions, and low-maintenance care, tulips are sure to bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space. So why not give them a try and see how they can transform your garden?

Happy planting! Amazon can provide any need for Tulips. (I will receive compensation if you buy).