Ivy - Search results

Botanical name: Coccinia grandis

Common names: Ivy Gourd, Scarlet Gourd, Tindora

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Origin: Africa, Asia and Australia

Native to Africa, Asia and Australia, Coccinia grandis (Ivy Gourd) is an attractive yet invasive vine or creeper that's also known for its ethnomedical properties. It grows well in full sun to semi-shade and requires moderate watering on a regular basis. It is cultivated in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 and blooms from the beginning of summer to the middle of autumn.

In addition to its beauty and ethnomedical functions, Coccinia grandis is also an edible fruit that is sweet and sour in taste. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Ivy Gourd can be used for consuming either raw as a salad or for making jams, juices, and sauces. It is believed to have several health benefits such as improving digestion, regulating blood sugar levels and even reducing chronic pain. In some parts of India, this plant is used to treat common colds, fever, bruises, and so on.

Coccinia grandis can produce a good amount of fruits during the season. Usually, they start to appear in late summer and autumn. The diet should be balanced when consuming Ivy Gourd fruit as it tends to be a heavyweight food item.

When it comes to caring for the plant, Ivy Gourd does not require much attention and can even be grown in a pot if preferred. It should be watered moderately and the soil should not be allowed to dry out. For cold climates, it should be covered with straw mulch to ensure insulation during winter. Winter protection may be needed in USDA Hardiness Zones lower than 9.

Botanical name: Hedera sp.

Common name: Ivy

Family: Araliaceae

Ivies are natives of Eurasia and North Africa but have been introduced to North America and Australia.

Numerous cultivars with variegated foliage and/or unusual leaf shapes have been selected for horticultural use.

Botanical names: Hemigraphis alternata, Hemigraphis colorata

Common names: Red Ivy, Red Flame Ivy, Waffle plant

Family: Acanthaceae

Origin: Malay Archipelago

Waffle plant, Red Flame Ivy. Colorful, fun plant for container culture and indoor plant collection. Silvery leaves with bright purple underneath. Takes both shade or light sun. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings. Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens, for terrariums.

Botanical name: Kalmia latifolia

Common names: Calico Bush, Mountain Laurel, Poison Ivy, Spoonwood

Family: Ericaceae

Origin: North America

Mountain Laurel is an evergreen flowering shrub.

Its flowers are star-shaped, ranging from red to pink to white, and occurring in clusters. The plants are striking in the contrast between the buds and flowers.

Buds and flowers color can vary with light exposure (too much shade will fade color).

The leaves, buds, flowers and fruits are poisonous to humans and cattle.

Botanical name: Peperomia griseoargentea

Common names: Radiator Plant, Platinum Pepper, Ivy-Leaf Peperomia

Family: Piperaceae

This slow-growing perennial is native to Central America and grows as a groundcover or low-growing, 2-foot shrub, in USDA Zones 9-11. The small ornamental plant is slow-growing and needs semi-shade and regular water to thrive.

Peperomia griseoargentea, commonly known as Radiator Plant, is an unusual and attractive evergreen perennial commonly grown indoors. It has heart-shaped, silvery-gray foliage with copper veins. The fast-growing foliage grows in rosettes and sprouts a lush, two-foot-tall plant when well maintained.

The plant is hardy enough to be grown outdoors in Zones 9-11, but it should be kept in partial shade and moderately watered. The more light it gets, the greater the chances of it growing successfully. To properly care for the Radiator Plant outdoors, water regularly until the soil is moist but not waterlogged; it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. A mulch cover is recommended during the winter months to protect it from the cold. It can also be grown in a pot in cold regions or during the winter months, but make sure not to overwater it.

Although Peperomia griseoargentea is a slow-growing perennial, it makes up for it with its ornamental foliage and bright, cheerful colors. The Radiator Plant looks best in hanging baskets or as a lovely houseplant where its leaves can cascade down.

Botanical name: Plectranthus australis

Common name: Swedish Ivy

Family: Lamiaceae

Plectranthus australis, or Swedish Ivy, is a fast-growing evergreen perennial with a sprawling habit. It is a member of the mint family, with round leaves with scalloped edges. It has fleshy square stems with opposite leaves and produces spikes of white or violet flowers in the summer. It is grown in USDA Zone 10-12 and makes a great ground cover and low-growing shrub that can reach up to two feet in height. Plectranthus australis can also be grown as a small shrub if the plant is pinched frequently to maintain a full habit, up to five feet tall.

Though Plectranthus australis can be grown in full sun, it prefers semi-shady spots. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil slightly damp. Plectranthus australis can be easily grown from cuttings. With clear, deep green foliage and ornamental, deep-colored leaves, this lovely shrub with an annual bloom is sure to be an eye-catching addition to any garden.

Plectranthus australis can grow in containers as well as in the ground, even in colder climates. When planting in a pot, be sure to select a container that is large enough to give the plant enough space for root growth. Poorer soils are best and so be sure to fill to at least two-thirds with a fast-draining soil. Regular watering is important, as with any plant, and also be sure to fertilize and prune as needed. If in a cold region, bring potted Plectranthus australis indoors during cold winter months and keep in a cool, bright spot.