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Acanthus ilicifolius

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Acanthus ilicifolius, or Holly-leaved Acanthus, is a perennial plant native to India and Polynesia. This plant can reach a large size, typically growing up to 5-10 ft tall. It has a semi-woody and sprawling structure, with thin stems coated in a glossy green hue speckled with white. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pair of spines at each angle.

Holly-leaved Acanthus prefers full sun to semi-shade and can be grown either in a bog or aquatic environment. It requires plenty of moisture as well as regular watering to stay healthy and vibrant. This plant also tolerates flooding and salty conditions near the seaside very well. Therefore, it can be a great addition to any garden in the USDA hardiness zone of 8-11.

The Holly-leaved Acanthus is adorned with clusters of beautiful blue, lavender and purple flowers. It is also an ethnomedical plant, hence its use in traditional medicine. Its stems are thorny or spiny and may require careful handling when handling.

When growing Holly-leaved Acanthus in a pot, it is essential to keep the soil moist and use quality organic potting soil. A location with some protection from the elements is preferred in colder regions as well as a winter mulching of thick straw to prevent frost damage. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye out for any pests and diseases that may occur and act appropriately to keep the plant healthy.

Acorus gramineus variegatus

The plants are evergreen in warmer climates, but they will die back to ground level in colder climates. Although they are water lovers, this species can take quite a bit of drought. I have seen this plant used as an accent in dry rock gardens.

Acrostichum aureum

Acrostichum aureum, also known as Piai Raya, is a small plant that grows to a height of between 2 and 5 feet tall. Native to Pantropical, it grows in USDA Zone 9-11 and is a great plant for adding ornamental foliage to gardens and yards. It is a flood and seaside tolerant plant and can even tolerate salt.

This plant prefers full sun to semi-shade, and can also be grown in boggy or aquatic soil. It needs regular water to keep it looking its best, so make sure to water it every few days during dry spells. Additionally, Piai Raya has ethnomedical properties, and has been known to be used for medicinal purposes.

Growers in cold regions should take special care when growing this plant in a pot. It is best to select a pot with several drainage holes, and the soil mix should be one that readily drains. Additionally, ensure that the pot is well insulated, as the roots are vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Ensure that the soil is also kept moist and fertilize every couple of weeks. With a bit of extra care, Acrostichum aureum can thrive in colder climates.

Alocasia odora

It grows in light shade to partial sun, in a well-drained, fuzzy soil. Where cold winter temperatures occur, it is best to plant these in a container that can be moved indoors; they are only cold-hardy to Zone 7-11, so Zone 8 and below should take extra caution, as this plant cannot tolerate frost.

A tall, woody perennial, Alocasia odora typically grows up to 5-10 feet tall in its native Tropical Asia. With its large, striking leaves and small, off-white/white fragrant flowers, it has become a popular ornamental choice for gardens. The foliage has an intense shine, and striking color contrast with the veining and patterning.

Alocasia odora prefers partial shade and regular water. It will tolerate bog or aquatic garden conditions and flood-like conditions. It requires a soupy soil or a soil that allows for good drainage.

In order to ensure a healthy, robust growth, it is important to evenly water the plant regularly, ideally using a moisture meter to determine the proper moisture level. It is also recommended to place the plant in spots where it will receive plenty of indirect sunlight and to fertilize it bi-weekly.

However, in cold regions, it is essential to be aware of the fact that Alocasia odora is only cold-hardy to temperatures at least as low as 30°F for a short time. To prevent any cold damage, it is best to move the plant indoors and it might be good to keep it in a pot rather than planting it in the ground.

Overall, Alocasia odora adds a unique texture and delicate beauty to any garden or home. With its large, architectural leaves and fragrant blooms, it is no wonder that this plant has become a much sought-after ornamental for any garden.

Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer' is unlike any other.This hybrid (scientific name: Alocasia brisbanensisxlocasia odora), created in 2013 is known for its long green petioles with small cupped leaves in a unique teardrop shape. While the plant grows upright, its petioles tend to fan out, curving in different directions like they are dancing.

Alocasia 'Imperial Red' is a hybrid between Alocasia odora and a pink petioled (stem) clone of Alocasia Macrorrhiza.

Alocasia sanderiana, Alocasia amazonica

Alocasia sanderiana (Kris plant) is low-growing plant, native to the Philippines and will reach a height of about 2ft. A beautiful plant with flat, V-shaped leaves, deeply scalloped along the margins. The color is shiny, jet-black, with bold white veining. An excellent species for interior, landscape or terrarium use. This plant can be grown in either partial or full shade and does best in a bog or aquatic environment. It is also suitable for planting in pots and to be used as an ornamental foliage. This plant should be grown in USDA zone 10-11.

When caring for Alocasia sanderiana, it is important to provide it with warm and humid conditions as well as an abundance of water while it is growing. During the fall months, the water requirements can be reduced and the soil should only be moistened occasionally. Great care should also be taken when planting rhizomes - the top of the rhizome should be planted above the soil line or the leaves may begin to decay. For cold regions, it is best to keep this plant in a pot so that it can be brought inside during cold weather.

Alocasia sp.

These plants (commonly known as African Masks and Elephant's Ears) are mainly valued for their gorgeous leaves, which are very large, heart- or spade-shaped and beautifully colored and variegated in gleaming shades of green, purple, bluish-green, red and bronze. They also produce small, calla-like flower spathes. It needs a large pot with good drainage (to about one third the depth) and should be planted ideally in equal parts of lumpy loam and fibrous peat, with some sand and a few lumps of charcoal. The rhizome should be planted at soil level. Feed the plants weekly while growing and protect from strong sunlight. Rest the rhizome in winter. Propagate by offsets in spring.

Alocasias require continual warmth and humidity. The soil should be rich but well drained, and the plant appreciates frequent watering (daily in hot weather), especially as if grows larger. Note however, that when the plant is young and small, too much water (particularly if the weather is cold) will rot the tuber, so be careful not to overdo it.

Bright light is preferred, but it will do well in anything up to 80 percent shade. Leaves tend to grow larger in shadier positions. Full sun is usually not preferred and may discolor the leaves, although it will usually cope with a bit of full sun provided it can get enough water.

Alternanthera hassleriana

A water plant that will float across the water surface. The internodes of Alternanthera aquatica are filled with air, as adaptation to its life as a floating plant, and look "bloated". Dainty white flowers.

Alternanthera sp.

While some of the better-known species are aquatic plants, most are terrestrial. They take many forms, from prostrate to erect to floating.

The flowers of this plant are very insignificant, bearing small bracts on a single stalk. These are best cut off, to allow the plant to concentrate on it's foliage. An attractive border plant or groundcover. About 10cm high, 1m spread.

Although Alternanthera can usually only be found during the warmer months in nurseries, it can be grown all year round. Grows best in full sun and in good soil this plant will respond handsomely. Fertilizing should be done with a water soluble variety so as not to burn the foliage. Can be clipped occasionally to form a neat low edging.

Propagation can be done by dividing larger plants during the cooler months of the year.

Andromeda polifolia

One of several broadleaf evergreen bog shrubs.

Distinguished from other bog shrubs by shape and bluegreen color of leaf.

Bog, often on floating mats of vegetation.

Cool, acidic soil (pH of 4.5-5)

Anemopsis californica

Anemopsis californica is a small shrub, typically only reaching 2-5 feet in height and width. The plant prefers to grow in full sun or semi-shade, with rich and well-draining soils. Under the right conditions, Anemopsis californica is an excellent bog or aquatic plant, and can tolerate periodic flooding during winter months. Anemopsis californica loves regular water, and will not tolerate drought, so make sure to keep the soil evenly moist. Due to the large leaves of the species, they do well in warmer climates, and anemopsis grows best in USDA Zones 9-11.

Anemopsis californica has cup-like structures of white, off-white flowers that hang down and produce a spicy, delicate fragrance throughout the warmer months. Anemopsis californica has some unique ethnomedical properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments in both mainstream and folk medicine, ranging from digestive issues to mouth infections. The plant is also popularly used as a spice or herb, and its sweet aroma adds both flavor and fragrance to food.

When planting Anemopsis californica in cold regions, it is best to grow in a pot in a sunny area and move indoors to protect against frost. Keep the soil moist and the plant in the container until warm weather returns, then move it back out into the garden and gradually allow it to adjust to its new environment. If planted outdoors in colder climates, be sure to provide ample insulation with layers of mulch and other protective materials, and cover with a tarp or blanket during particularly cold weather.