Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds - Search results

Botanical name: Abutilon sp.

Common names: Flowering Maple, Weeping Maple,Chinese Lantern

Family: Malvaceae

Origin: South America

Abutilon species, commonly known as flowering maples or Chinese lanterns, are evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs grown for their attractive maple-like foliage and pendant, bell-shaped blooms. Many garden forms are complex hybrids, combining traits from several South American species. These hybrids are valued for their long flowering season, compact to medium growth habit, and wide color range including white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. Some cultivars feature variegated leaves, adding extra ornamental appeal.

Hybrid abutilons thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer fertile, well-drained soil with regular watering. They benefit from pruning in early spring to maintain shape and encourage branching, and pinching growing tips promotes a bushier form. Hardy in USDA Zones 8-11, they can tolerate brief drops to near freezing but require frost protection. In colder climates, hybrids are well-suited to container culture, allowing them to be overwintered indoors or in sheltered areas. Regular feeding during the growing season supports continuous blooming, and spent flowers should be removed to prolong display.

Botanical name: Acacia adoxa

Common name: Acacia

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Mimosoideae

Origin: Australia

Botanical name: Acacia auriculiformis

Common names: Darwin Black Wattle, Ear Pod Wattle

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Mimosoideae

Origin: Australia, New Guinea

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.

Botanical name: Acacia baileyana

Common name: Purple Fernleaf Acacia

Cultivar: 'Purpurea'

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Mimosoideae

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.

Botanical name: Acacia cultriformis

Common names: Knife-leaf Wattle, Dogtooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden-glow Wattle

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Mimosoideae

Origin: Australia

Hardiness: 25°F

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

Botanical name: Acacia dealbata

Common names: Silver Wattle, Winter Mimosa tree

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Mimosoideae

Origin: Australia

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.