Tithonia diversifolia

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Fast growing big shrub or tree with sunflower-like flowers. Very showy and easy to grow. Good choice when you need to hide an ugly wall or fence or make privacy in a short time period. Cold hardy to at least zone 9.

Tripteris sinuata, Osteospermum sinuatum

Some authors have classified as a Tripteris subgenus of Osteospermum, but more recent studies support separating it as a distinct genus.

Unknown 121

Espeletia ?

Unknown 43

Olearia argophylla (?)

Unknown 83

Vernonia sp.

Vernonia sp., also known as the Tropical Aster or Bitterleaf, is a small shrub native to Africa. It is commonly used as a spice or herb in traditional medicines and is known for its attractive purple flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant is easy to grow in USDA Zones 8-10 and prefers full sun and moderate water. It is recommended to water regularly during blooming season, but keep the soil a little dryer during winter. If grown in a pot, it should be kept in a sheltered spot in colder weather and should be protected from harsh winds.

Vernonia sp. is not only known for its beauty, but also for its edible fruit that is high in vitamin A and other nutrients. The fruit can be used to make jams, sauces, and jellies and can be eaten raw. It is known to have numerous health benefits including improving vision, reducing cholesterol, aiding in weight loss, boosting the immune system, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. A mature plant can typically produce 2-3 pounds of fruit, although with proper care it can produce more.

Vernonia sp. is an excellent choice for any garden due to its beautiful flowers and nutritious fruit. With proper care, you can enjoy all the benefits this plant has to offer.

In general Vernonia is a genus of plants that includes around 1000 plant species. Many of these species are known for their purple flowers. Some species are edible. The genus was named after the English botanist William Vernon. In West and Central Africa, these plants are commonly known as Bitterleaf, Ewuro, Ndole, and Onugbu. They are popularly consumed as leaf vegetables in Cameroon. The leaves have a sweet and bitter taste. Vernonia calvoana is a key ingredient in the Cameroonian national dish of Ndole.

Vernonia has medicinal properties as well. It has been used to treat diabetes and reduce fever. These leaves are exported from several African countries and can be found in grocery stores that serve African clients. Vernonia galamensis is also used as an oilseed in East Africa. In Brazil, Vernonia condensata is traditionally used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and other medicinal properties.

Vernonia species are also used as food plants by the larvae of certain Lepidoptera butterflies, including Coleophora vernoniaeella and Schinia regia.

Wedelia trilobata, Sphagneticola trilobata

Wedelia (Wedelia trilobata), native to Central America and Mexico, is an excellent ground cover, perfect for warm climates. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, and requires regular water. It also has colorful flowers - bright yellow and orange - making it an ideal choice for adding some cheer to a garden.

Wedelia has a fast growth rate and can become quite invasive. If you live in USDA Zone 8-11 and don't have a very large garden or green space, it's best to grow it in a pot. In winter, when the climate is cold, the plant will need some protection from frost. Make sure to also keep it in a spot that receives some sunlight and lots of moisture.

Wedelia does not require a lot of pruning or deadheading. In fact, it is best left to its own devices and pruned only if it starts to encroach on other plants.

Overall, Wedelia is a great choice for adding some vibrant color to a garden. It's a low-maintenance plant and won't require a lot of upkeep. Just make sure to give it enough sunlight, water regularly and provide good drainage. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to be more vigilant to protect it from frost, but with the right care and attention, it can thrive.

Xerochrysum bracteatum, Helichrysum bracteatum, Bracteantha bracteata

Xerochrysum bracteatum, also known as Strawflower, is a popular plant choice for gardeners in USDA zones 8-10. This small plant is easy to care for and produces a showy display of colorful flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It can be grown in either full sun or semi-shade and requires regular or moderate watering to ensure optimal growth and flowering. The plant comes in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, yellow, and orange.

When planting Xerochrysum bracteatum in a pot, gardeners in colder regions should take extra care to ensure the plant thrives. Bring the pot indoors during cold winters.

Xerochrysum bracteatum is not only a great addition to a garden but is also excellent for use in dried arrangements.

Xerochrysum bracteatum has been proven to be adaptable to cultivation and was first propagated and developed in Germany in the 1850s. Annual cultivars in a range of color forms, from white to bronze to purple flowers, are widely available.

Zinnia sp.

The zinnia is a bushy annual flower native to Mexico. It grows in any type of soil, though it prefers well-drained, sandy loam, and it is fairly drought tolerant once established.

Zinnias come in many colors and sizes, making this a great choice for adding a splash of color in your garden. Low-growing varieties only a foot tall and wide can be used as a groundcover. Higher growing varieties can reach up to five feet and make a great backdrop for other flowering plants. The flowers, however, remain small, ranging from one and a half to three inches across.

Most zinnias love full sun, although some of the larger varieties such as Zinnia angustifolia will tolerate some shade. They should be watered regularly, with an inch of water every week in hot weather, and every two to three weeks in cooler conditions. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) will encourage more blooms, but is optional.

Zinnias come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender, purple, red, crimson, and yellow or orange. The colors may be solid or variegated. Zinnias are attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, so this is a great way to attract them to your garden.

To grow Zinnia sp. in cold regions, select varieties that can tolerate colder temperatures. Choose a variety that is hardy to USDA Zone 9-11. Plant in a pot that can be moved indoors in winter and set outdoors in spring. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. Make sure the pot has ample drainage holes to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. Place the pot in a sunny spot and provide plenty of airflow to prevent fungal diseases. Deadheads the flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.