Tag Archives: exotic appeal

Japanese Cedar II / Cryptomeria japonica

Posted on May 21, 2012 by

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Black Dragon’ – A compact form of Japanese Cedar with a congested growth habit of ascending stiff needles that emerge lime green (as shown in the photo) and mature to a very dark black-green colour. This is a … Continue reading →

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Hardy Fuchsia

Posted on May 15, 2012 by

Fuchsia hybrida ‘Santa Claus’ (Hazard 1988) – One of the more reliable hardy fuchsias with abundant small blooms with contrasting red sepals and white corollas – these are borne from early summer through to fall over deep green foliage with … Continue reading →

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Fancy-Leaf Geraniums / Pelargonium

Posted on May 14, 2012 by

Pelargonium x hortorum ‘Wilhelm Langguth’ – This fancy-leaf geranium is a member of the Brocade Series and features prolific blooms of a deep scarlet-red that nicely compliment the the grey-green foliage, heavily bordered in cream. This plant attracts hummingbirds and … Continue reading →

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Unusual Houseplants

Posted on March 26, 2012 by

Clivia miniata – The Kaffir Lily was a favorite of Victorian-era gardeners and is not seen as much these days. It is an easy-to-grow evergreen perennial from South Africa which produces orange (also yellow and red) blooms over glossy dark … Continue reading →

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Summer Bulbs

Posted on March 11, 2012 by

Galtonia candicans (syn. Hyacinthus candicans) – Summer Hyacinth is a true bulb with tall spikes (3 to 4′ high) of pendant white waxy flowers (often with green bases) with some fragrance. This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner blooms from … Continue reading →

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Unusual Shrubs

Posted on March 6, 2012 by

Distylium racemosum – Evergreen Witch Hazel or Isu Tree is a native of Japan and grows as a spreading shrub. The small lance-shaped leaves are glossy green and form a dense canopy. The spidery burgundy-red flowers appear along the branch … Continue reading →

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Variegated Vines

Posted on March 5, 2012 by

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata ‘Elegans’ – A self-clinging deciduous vine with highly attractive deep green leaves, heavily mottled with white and pink (especially new growth). This variegated form of Porcelain Vine prefers part to full sun and also features contrasting rose-pink petioles. … Continue reading →

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Running Bamboo

Posted on February 27, 2012 by

Semiarundinaria fastuosa – Narihira or Temple Bamboo makes a good informal hedge or screen due to its density and averages about 20-25′ tall at maturity in coastal gardens. The young culms (1.5″ diameter) are deep green, turning reddish as they … Continue reading →

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Plants of Tropical Queensland

Posted on January 27, 2012 by

Drynaria rigidula – The Basket Fern is native to northeastern New South Wales, Queensland and Malaysia and often grows as a epiphyte on tree trunks – with colonies reaching widths of 6′. It has 2 types of fronds – the … Continue reading →

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Native Australian Desert Plants

Posted on January 19, 2012 by

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (syn. ‘Itara’) The River Red Gum is named for its striking reddish-orange wood which is used to make furniture. This widespread species is commonly found around inland water sources. It is a large tree (grows to 90′+) with … Continue reading →

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