Tag Archives: tropical theme

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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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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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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Fast-Growing Vines

Posted on November 8, 2011 by

Polygonum aubertii (renamed Fallopia baldschuanica) (syn. Fallopia aubertii / Bilderdykia aubertii) – This deciduous to semi-evergreen vine (in warmer climates) has many common names, including Silver Lace Vine, Mile-A-Minute and Russian Lace Vine. The fragrant summer through fall white flowers … Continue reading →

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Fuchsia / Triphylla-Types

Posted on November 8, 2011 by

Fuchsia ‘Leverkusen’ (syn. ‘Leverhulme’) (Hartnauer 1928) – An old variety with stubby bright rose-cerise flowers with a slight bulge – it is very floriferous and has smaller green foliage. Fuchsia ‘Billy Green’ (Rawlins 1966) – Salmon pink blooms with a … Continue reading →

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Euphorbia with Attractive Foliage

Posted on October 22, 2011 by

Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Ruby Glow’ – An evergreen Euphorbia with rich reddish-purple late summer foliage that makes an attractive contrast plant in containers, especially when paired with gold-leaved Heuchera. The new growth is intensely red, accented by March to May greenish-yellow … Continue reading →

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