Botanical family: Rhamnaceae

Alphitonia excelsa

Flowers, although individually insignificant, cover the tree with clusters of small cream blossoms in late autumn and early winter.

Berchemia sp.

Berchemia sp. (Pink Ivory) is a large shrub, typically growing 5-10 feet tall, though in the right conditions it can reach heights of up to 20 feet, making it a small tree. The plant is native to South Africa and prefers an environment with full sun and moderate water. It can also be grown in semi-shaded areas, though it should not be placed in excessive shade. The Berchemia sp. (Pink Ivory) is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 and can be grown in cooler climates in containers, as long as they are brought inside during the winter months.

The Berchemia sp. (Pink Ivory) produces edible fruits that can be eaten fresh, or used in cooking or to make jams or jellies. Fruits ripen from late summer into autumn and the plants can produce several crops of fruits each year. The fruits are a bright, tangerine color and are slightly sweet but with a hint of tartness. They are high in vitamin C and contain other minerals, making them a healthy addition to the diet.

In terms of care, Berchemia sp. (Pink Ivory) is not particularly fussy, but it does need to be watered regularly in order to grow well. It is also important to prune away any dead or weak stems in order to encourage healthy growth. In colder climates, the tree should be grown in a container that can easily be brought indoors when temperatures drop. Outside of the cold season, it will benefit from a top dressing of compost to help the soil retain moisture and nutrients. With regular care, the Berchemia sp. (Pink Ivory) can produce an abundance of sweet, tangerine colored fruit year after year.

Ceanothus arboreus

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It requires dry or moist soil. Prefers a warm sunny position but tolerates light shade.

The flowers are a very good source, when used as a body soap they leave behind a pleasant perfume on the skin.

Ceanothus megacarpus

This plant may be variable in appearance because it hybridizes easily with similar species.

Colletia hystrix

This variable, woody, aromatic shrub grows from 5 to 10 feet tall. It is native to South America. The very hardy Colletia hystrix needs full sun or semi-shade and moderate water. It is a very hardy plant and can tolerate cold zones down to the lower 30's F for short periods of time.

With regard to pot growing in a cold region, it is possible to keep the shrub in a container and transport it indoors when frost threatens. Keep in mind there are a few things your Colletia hystrix will need to thrive in this environment. First, you will need a container with a drainage hole in the bottom and use potting soil that is well-draining. Secondly, during colder months, you'll need to keep an eye on moisture levels and water when the soil is dry. Colder temperatures can drain the soil faster so be sure to water more frequently. Additionally, if the container is in a sunny location, you may need to water more regularly. Finally, protect the plant from the wind and temperatures below 50F.

By following these simple steps, you can easily keep your Colletia hystrix growing strong in cold regions. With its unique spiny foliage, sweetly fragrant flowers, and cold hardiness, it is a beautiful addition to any landscape.

Colletia paradoxa, Colletia cruciata

Colubrina arborescens

Usually a small tree or shrub found in pine lands, greenheart may grow to 20 feet in a moist, shaded hammock. The shiny, dark green, elliptical leaves have a rusty pubescence on their lower surfaces. Small, yellow flowers are produced in clusters. The small, dry fruit are purple-black and pop open to disperse tiny, black seeds. Greenheart grows in full sun to shade, in moist or dry locations. Colubrina makes a good hedge or screen planting due to the dense canopy.

Hovenia dulcis

Adaptable plant tolerant of many soil conditions but not wet soil. Flowers pale green, about 7 mm across, slightly fragrant. Fruit is a reddish-brown drupe, about 1/3" in diameter about the size of a raisin, hence the name. They are sweet, and can be eaten. A sweet extract of the seed, boughs and young leaves is used as a substitute for honey.

Paliurus spina christi, Paliurus aculeatus

Shrub with branches provided with thorns. Clusters of yellow-greenish flowers. The fruit is a dry woody nutlet centred in a circular wing (in Chinese hat shape).

Phylica plumosa, Phylica pubescens

Native to South Africa, the Phylica plumosa (Flannel Flower) is a small plant up to 2-5 ft tall, with ornamental foliage, yellow and orange flowers and a faint cinnamon scent. It is extremely easy to take care of and only needs full sun and moderate water to thrive. They do very well in USDA Zones 9-11.

When grown in cold regions, the Phylica plumosa (Flannel Flower) is best grown in containers and should be placed in a warm, sheltered area where wind and frost will not affect them too strongly. The containers should be well draining to ensure that the roots are not sitting in water and that the soil is not too soggy. These plants are not winter-hardy and should be brought inside for the winter season, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist. With the right care, Flannel Flower can make for a beautiful and vibrant addition to your home or garden!