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Botanical name: Abelia grandiflora

Common name: Glossy Abelia

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Origin: China

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.

Botanical name: Abelia sp.

Common name: Abelia

Family: Caprifoliaceae

The flowers appear in the upper leaf axils and stem ends, 1-8 together in a short cyme; they are pendulous, white to pink, bell-shaped with a five-lobed corolla.

The species from warm climates are evergreen, and colder climate species deciduous.

Botanical names: Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus esculentus

Common names: Okra, Bamia, Gombo

Family: Malvaceae

Origin: Africa

Abelmoschus esculentus, commonly known as okra, is a flowering plant that is native to Africa. It is a large, fast-growing shrub, growing 5-10 ft tall and producing beautiful white, off-white, and yellow-orange flowers. This plant runs on a shorter lifecycle than most other shrubs, taking only 120-165 days to mature.

Okra does best when grown in warm climates, where it can receive strong direct sunlight, and regular watering. It has adapted over time to thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. As it is a climacteric crop, it benefits greatly from warm, humid days and cool nights.

Regular water needs will depend on the local climate, but okra requires moderate regular watering, even during seasonal to periodical droughts. Soil with a high drainage level and well-aerated conditions will help the plant thrive and reach its full potential.

The plant produces striking large edible seeds within green, finger-like pods. Young, tender okra can be used in stir-fry or soups either blanched or pickled, and raw okra is often used in cold salads. When cooked, it is similar to asparagus. In terms of taste, some describe it to be similar to a combination of mushrooms and eggplant.

Okra is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. It also contains a healthy amount of dietary fibers, which can help maintain healthy digestion. Health benefits of okra also includes its ability to strengthen the immune system, lower stress, and improve skin and hair health.

In terms of yield, the plant can produce up to few hundred pods per plant, depending on the variety and local climate conditions. Therefore, okra is a great choice whether you are looking to have some fresh fruits in your household.

Botanical name: Abelmoschus manihot

Common names: South Sea Salad Tree, Bele tree, Sunset Muskmallow, Sunset Hibiscus, Hibiscus Manihot

Family: Malvaceae

Origin: Southeast Asia

Hardiness: 20°F

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.

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 names: Abutilon vitifolium, Corynabutilon vitifolium

Common names: Vine-leaved Abutilon, Flowering Maple, Indian Mallow

Family: Malvaceae

Origin: Chile

It usually grows to be anywhere between 5-10 feet tall, depending on the conditions in which it is grown and the amount of care it receives. If kept well mulched on the ground, it can easily reach its maximum of 10 feet. Full sun and semi-shade are both equally suitable for this species, but with regular water, the best of the blooms can be expected. The vines produce hanging buds of either a cheery pink or a more dainty, off white, depending on variety.

When mature, Abutilon vitifolium is cold hardy down to at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a short time, as determined by USDA Zone 8-11. If planted in colder regions, be sure to take extra care that the shrub is well potted and situated in an area protected from the winter weather. Mulch can also be helpful in keeping its roots warm and the shrub topped up with the right amount of water.

This large shrub is ideal for garden pathways or any border area in the garden, admired for its trumpeting petals of varying shades of pink, white and off-white. When in full bloom, it can even be seen through hedges or used as a specimen in moonlight gardens. With its height, hardiness and a little care, it can make a beautiful addition to any outdoor home.