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Abelia grandiflora

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Abelia is a popular evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with a rounded, fountain-like growth habit. It is fast-growing, growing up to 4-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Its leaves are fine-textured, glossy, oval, and dark green, usually 2 inches long, and the new growth has a bronze color. Abelia produces small, white and pink tubular flowers in clusters at the end of its stems, from summer to fall. The flowers are barely one inch long, but they are slightly fragrant - which attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

This shrub is a great choice for planting near a pool, as it loves both full sun and semi-shade exposure. When watering it, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It is mostly pest- and disease-free. Mature Abelias can withstand temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a limited time.

Hyperacanthus amoenus is another popular evergreen shrub. It has pinkish red flowers with off-white petals that are fragrant, followed by green fruits that turn brown when ripe. This shrub is easy to grow, needing only full sun and regular watering - though it should be in USDA Zones 8 -9 for full protection from cold weather. For areas with colder climates, it is recommended to keep the plant in a pot and move it indoors in winter. In such a case, extra care should be taken to make sure it has enough water, light and fertilizer. Pruning may also be necessary to ensure the plant remains within the size desired.

Abelmoschus manihot

Its palmate leaves are highly dissected with five to nine deep lobes. The largest, widest leaves form at the base of the plant, where there may be some small side branches. The blooms (4-5" in diameter) are pale yellow with a dark maroon to purple center eye, and emerge from the terminal end of a central flowering stalk.It is easily propagated from cuttings, easy to cultivate, relatively disease-resistant and even is considered to be of medicinal value. It is widely planted either along borders of gardens or as an intercrop throughout many traditional gardens in the tropics. A nice flowering addition to the vegetable garden.

Abutilon megapotamicum, Abutilon vexillarium, Callianthe megapotamica

Brazilian Bell-flower is a fun and easy-to-grow hummingbird magnet for the perennial border. In the garden or in a hanging container, it spreads to several feet wide in a single season. In the wild, Abutilon megapotamicum reaches 8' tall, but in cultivation arely exceeds 5' tall, and less when grown as a potted plant. During warm months, the plants are laden with cool 2" hanging lantern-like flowers composed of red calyces above the yellow petals, ending with its bright red privates dangling beneath... all carefully arranged between the thumb-sized green leaves.

Abutilon pictum

Abutilon pictum, also known as the Golden Rain Flowering Maple, is a fast-growing tropical flowering shrub that is prized for its speckled, maple-shaped leaves and showy, coral-orange flowers. This striking shrub is a great accent or border plant for areas that don't experience frost, as it can easily be espaliered against a wall. Abutilon pictum Thompsonii, a variety with golden leaf variegation and peach colored flowers with red veins, is an especially showy container specimen and a beautiful addition to any bright patio or indoor location.

Abutilon pictum is native to South America and is grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8-10. It requires a warm climate and full sun exposure to thrive, as well as regular watering. This plant produces red, crimson and vinous flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Varieties with yellow and orange flowers are less common. Mature plants are cold hardy, at least for a short time, to temperatures in the high 20's Fahrenheit. In areas where frost is a problem, it is important to provide some protection for the blooms and for the plant during the coldest periods.

When grown in a pot, Abutilon pictum prefers soil that is well-draining, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. It requires more frequent watering in the hot months, but it is important not to allow the soil to become soggy. When cared for correctly, this vibrant shrub will provide a spectacular show of beauty. In colder growing regions, be sure to use a container, and choose a large pot with plenty of drainage holes. Provide enough sunshine, water regularly, and fertilize with general-purpose compost in the spring. Not only is Abutilon pictum beautiful, but it also provides a wonderful habitat for larger butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This can be further enhanced by placing the plants in a sunny, ambient environment, and providing them with a reliable water source and some mealworms, which they seem to love!

Abutilon x hybridum

Abutilon x hybridum (Flowering Maple) is a large shrub native to South America that can reach heights of 5-10 feet tall. It has a natural trellis-like shape with maple-like foliage and drooping, lantern-like blooms in white, yellow, pink or red in spring. This plant is a great magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, and is easy to care for.

Abutilon x hybridum prefers full sun to semi-shade and regular watering. It should be pruned in early spring and pinched tips to keep bushy. It is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11, and mature plants can endure temperatures in the low 30s F for a short time.

For growing Abutilon x hybridum in a pot in cold regions, it is best to move the pot to a sheltered location during the winter months, as the pot will freeze faster than the ground. Make sure to select a large enough pot with plenty of drainage holes and use a soil that provides good drainage. Be sure to check the soil moisture often, as Abutilon x hybridum will need more water during cold temperatures. If the soil dries out too much, the plant may suffer. When temperatures dip below 30 degrees F, it is best to provide a light layer of mulch to protect the roots.

Acacia adoxa

Acacia auriculiformis

Very fast growing, undemanding ornamental and shade tree. Honey-sweet, showy yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies. The plant is amazing in its ability to recolonize waste. Hard to kill. Can grow as much as 6-8 ft per season. Mature trees are medium sized. If you are looking for a fast result, this shade tree is for you. The plant is amazing in its ability to recolonize waste, paper mill sludge; even uranium spoils. This is the only tree found on a 20-year old uranium spoil. Cold hardy to some freeze.

Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea'

Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' (Purple Fernleaf Acacia) is a small, drought tolerant tree that can reach 10-20 feet in height in the right conditions. It thrives in full sun, and requires moderate water, which decreases once established. It has ornamental foliage, and produces beautiful yellow, orange flowers. These fragrant blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

When planting Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea', dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and around the same depth. This will ensure the roots have plenty of space to spread out. Once planted, water deeply to help the roots establish.

For cold regions, it is best to plant Acacia baileyana 'Purpurea' in a pot and move it indoors in cold winter months. Make sure the pot is well drained and replant every few years for optimal growth. Feeding with a fertilizer in the spring and summer will help promote growth. If you see any signs of disease or pests, treat them as early as possible with an appropriate product.

Acacia cultriformis

Acacia cultriformis is a woody shrub with an upright or spreading habit that grows to 4 m (13 ft) in height.

Its bright flowers and attractive leaves make Acacia cultriformis one of the most popular wattles in cultivation. Drought tolerant, it can be used to combat soil erosion.

The flowers are edible and they are an ingredient used in some fritters. Yellow dye is extracted from the flowers and green dye is extracted from the seed pods

Acacia dealbata

Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle) is usually found growing in full sun and can tolerate a range of soils as long as it is well drained. It appreciates moderate water and should be kept evenly moist; it is also moderately drought tolerant once established. This small tree is native to Australia and grows to a height of 10-20 feet, with a spread of 8-15 feet. This tree is invaluable in the landscape due to the profusion of fragrant, yellow or orange flowers that are produced in early spring. Not only do they add much beauty and fragrance to the garden, but they attract both butterflies and hummingbirds.

It thrives in USDA zones 9-11. When planting Acacia dealbata, choose a spot where it can be in full sun and keep the soil evenly moist. In cold regions, the Silver Wattle does best in a container rather than planted directly in the ground. Be sure the container is large enough for the tree to reach its full height, with plenty of drainage. During the colder months, mulch heavily around the container to protect the roots. Water when the soil is dry to a depth of an inch or so, and avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot. Fertilizer should be applied occasionally during the growing season.

Overall, Acacia dealbata is a unique and beautiful addition to the garden, with its fragrant blooms and stunning foliage.