White, off-white flowers - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Lithops, also known as Living Stones, are a genus of succulent plants native to southern Africa. They are characterized by their mimicry appearance, resembling small stones in their natural habitat. The plants have a compact form, consisting of one or more pairs of fleshy leaves and a minimal stem. The slit between the leaves holds the meristem, which produces flowers and new leaves during the growing season.

Lithops prefer full sun and dry conditions, as well as poor, sandy soil. They can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11, in containers or outdoors, but must be brought indoors in colder climates. During the growing season, they should receive bright sun and warm temperatures and be allowed to dry completely between waterings. Fertilization should be done bi-monthly with a succulent fertilizer. In a pot, it is important to use a porous soil to ensure proper drainage.

Lithops enter a dormant phase in late spring or early summer, during which they require little or no water. The plants should be stored in a cool, dry place during this period. When the cooler and shorter days of fall approach, Lithops will begin growing again. The plants have evolved to survive in their harsh habitat by using stored water to last through intense heat and little rainfall in summer and blending in with the surrounding stones for protection

This double variety makes a spectacular specimen plant. Can be grown in pots and will produce carnation like blooms, colored fiery red/orange from late winter through the fall. This pomegranate does not bear fruits. Fast-growing, good as a house plant, easy to grow.

See Article about Pomegranate.

Low-growing, generally 2ft tall, Cytisus sp. rarely produces seed so it won't become a nuisance. It is a deciduous plant, meaning its branches will shed their leaves in the winter months, but by spring the plant will be covered in glossy green foliage. When the weather heats up, Cytisus sp. will be in full bloom with long clusters of small pea-like flowers in shades of pink, white, off-white, red, crimson, yellow, and orange.

These bright blooms will attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making Cytisus sp. an ideal ornamental choice. Regular watering is recommended, and while it will tolerate some shade, the plant will really thrive with full sun exposure. Some species may even tolerate cool climates, as illustrated by its USDA Zone: rating of 5-8.

To properly care for Cytisus sp., a gardener should start by providing the plant with well draining soil. This can be accomplished by adding organic matter such as compost, mulch or manure into the potting soil. Additionally, the plant should be watered regularly but allowed to dry out in between waterings. Plant Cytisus sp. in a sunny spot for best results and be sure to prune the branches back at least once a year to promote new growth. With proper care and maintenance, Cytisus sp. will make a stunning addition to any garden.

Hoya sp. (Wax Plant) is an epiphytic or lithophytic vine in the genus Hoya, noted for opposite often succulent leaves, readily rooting nodes, and persistent peduncles that carry rounded umbels of waxy star shaped flowers with a raised corona; many forms are evening fragrant and nectar rich, and mature plants may produce paired slender follicles with silky tufted seeds. Flexible shoots can be trained on trellises and hoops or allowed to trail from hanging baskets indoors or in warm greenhouses.

Provide bright filtered light, warm temperatures around 65-85 F, and moderate to high humidity. Grow in a very free draining epiphytic mix (bark, perlite, coco chips), water thoroughly then allow the surface to dry slightly; reduce watering in the cool or low light season. Do not overpot, as slight root crowding promotes bloom, and do not remove old peduncles because umbels rebloom on the same spurs. Feed lightly during active growth and propagate from node cuttings. Outdoors it is suitable for USDA Zones 10-11 only and is frost tender, so protect plants when nights fall below about 45-50 F or overwinter containers indoors.

Evergreen tree, rapidly up to 40 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Leaf: Alternate, pinnately compound, drooping (often curved) foliage with numerous narrowly lance-shaped leaflets entire or with a few widely spaced teeth, peppery fragrance, green to yellow-green above and below. Flower: Small, flowers with white petals and yellow centers, in loose many branched hanging clusters, appearing in summer. Fruit: Pink to red, round, berry-like, in hanging clusters, ripen in fall and persist through winter, peppery fragrance. All parts of the tree have high oil and essential oil contents that produce a spicy, aromatic scent. The leaves of the Brazilian peppertree have such high oil content that leaf pieces jerk and twist when placed in hot water as the oil is released. The berries, which have a peppery flavor, are used in syrups, vinegar, and beverages in Peru; are added to Chilean wines; and are dried and ground up for a pepper substitute in the tropics. The dried berries have also been used as an adulterant of black pepper in some countries. Virtually all parts of this tropical tree, including its leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, resin, and oleoresin (or balsam) have been used medicinally by indigenous peoples throughout the tropics. Watering Needs: Very little water when established, water every month in summer in Phoenix, do not overwater. Propagation: Fresh seeds in spring, occasionally cuttings in summer.

One of the most impressive climbing plants which also grows well in subtropical climates. A vigorous evergreen climber that can reach over 20 ft tall and as wide if a strong support is available. Very large leaves can reach 9 inches long and are a glossy green color with prominent veins and new growth has attractive brownish hairs. In late spring to early fall appear the terminal clusters of large (3-6 inch long by 4 inches wide) fragrant white flowers that are trumpet-shaped and resemble an Easter Lily.

Plant in full sun or light shade preferably in a rich soil and provide ample water. It is hardy to 28 degrees F and in cold years can be semi-deciduous. It dislikes heavy wet soil in winter. If pruning is required, as it often is because this plant can get rather large, do so just after flowering to promote new flowering wood for the following year.

Another very close species with slightly smaller leaves - Beaumontia murtonii.

Learn more:

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Easter Flower Wanted

A perennial climbing vine that produces dull green, ovate leaves. In the fall, this vine produces a profusion of white flowers in dense clusters.

Garden Verbenas are a large group of hybrids, with mainly Verbena peruviana and Verbena platensis in their parentage. They grow well in desert dry summer heat, they tend to get mildew in more humid weathers. They are good bedding and edge plant, in hot desert locations, they also make a good ground cover.