Duranta erecta, Duranta repens

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Duranta is a large erect shrub with a popular name inspired by the clusters of bright orange-yellow berries that follow the flowers, often causing the slender branches to droop gracefully. This plant is known for its lavender-blue or white flowers that appear in loose clusters and for both its berries and blossoms, which are often seen on the same plant. The flowers have a mild, sweet vanilla-like smell and there are also forms with variegated leaves and bright yellow leaves, which do not bloom as profusely but are usually grown primarily for their foliage.

Duranta requires frequent pruning to maintain a bushy shape, especially when used as a hedge, and needs full sun to bloom well. It is an easy-to-maintain plant that requires only moderate water and is highly salt tolerant, making it an excellent choice for planting near seashores. Duranta grows to be 5-10 feet tall as a shrub or 10-20 feet tall as a small tree.

In the garden, Duranta is often used as an ornamental shrub for its low-growing, sprawling habit and colorful clusters of fragrant white-to-off-white or blue-lavender-purple flowers. The attractive foliage of glossy green or variegated leaves adds interest to this plant and its color makes it suitable for use as a border. Duranta is also noted for its beauty when grown in pots, although in colder growing regions it is important to ensure that the pot is placed in a sheltered position and additional insulation is used to protect it in the winter months.

Not only is Duranta eye-catching, it is also wildlife-friendly, attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. Planting a Duranta will enrich the garden with its vibrant colors, ornamental foliage, and delightful fragrance, making it a great asset for any garden design.

Faradaya splendida

Good drainage is essential for optimal growth of Faradaya splendida (Glory Vine). When grown in colder regions in containers, it is important to keep the plant under shelter during the winter months.

To ensure the best growth, it is important to keep the soil moist but not soggy and to regularly fertilize with a balanced fertilizer. The Glory Vine prefers full sun to semi-shade, but in very hot climates, some shade during the hottest hours is recommended.

This evergreen vine is an excellent choice for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects to the garden. It is also a great plant for covering up unsightly walls, fences, and other structures, as it produces a stunning display of colorful, fragrant flowers that will add beauty and charm to any garden.

The Glory Vine is a vigorous twining climber with large, shiny, bright green leaves. In the spring, it produces beautiful, fragrant white flowers in large terminal clusters with a fragrance resembling that of carnations. The flowers are usually short-lived but very abundant. The leaves are smooth and can be up to 12 inches long. The plant can spread over large areas.

The fleshy fruit of the Glory Vine is whitish, egg-shaped, and surprisingly large, about 2-3 inches long, resembling the Noni fruit in shape. Each fruit contains a single seed.

While the Glory Vine is a hardy plant for tropical and sub-tropical areas, it is not suitable for small gardens due to its vigor. It will tolerate shade, but it flowers best when it receives sunlight for a large part of the day. The species is adaptable to a range of soils, but it requires plenty of water to thrive.

Holmskioldia citrina, Holmskioldia sanguinea 'Citrina'

Its unique flowers are the main interest of this scrambling shrub: each is a narrow, yellow tube backed by a broad, circular calyx, appearing in dense terminal clusters through summer and fall (autumn). The mid-green leaves are oval and slightly serrated. Its long, trailing canes make it ideal for espaliering. Rampant growth can be contained by pruning after flowering and old canes can be removed. There are also red- and bronze-flowered forms. Full sun but will bloom in filtered light. Sometimes this species is called Holmskioldia sanguinea Mandarin.

Holmskioldia sanguinea

Holmskioldia sanguinea, or Chinese hat, is a large shrub that can grow from 5-10 ft tall. It is native to the Himalaya region and is a vigorous vine or creeper. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate semi-shade. The plant's soil should be kept moist and it will reward you with stunning red, crimson and vinous flowers, that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. There are also yellow- and bronze-flowered forms.

Mature plant cold hardy to at least 30°F for a short time and is also salt tolerant, making it suitable for growing in seaside gardens in USDA Zones 9-11.

For cold regions, Chinese hat can be grown in a pot that can be moved indoors when temperatures drop. Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Prune after flowering to keep the plant growth under control.

Holmskioldia taitensis, Holmskoldia tettensis, Karomia speciosa

Very rare variety of Holmskioldia. Like it's sister "chinese hat" Holmskioldia sanguinea, it has showy flowers resembling a hat. Bright pink-and-blue color. Prefers moist soil and part shade.

Lantana camara

It was an early introduction elsewhere in the tropical world, where it soon escaped the confines of gardens and became a weed. L. camara is a prickly shrub, about 3-6 ft in height, with ovate rough leaves and almost continuous displays of blooms that appear as clusters made up of tiny florets. Orange or red-orange are the commonest colors, but there are cultivars with larger white, pink, or lemon-yellow flowers. People like having Lantana in a garden because of the pungent smell of the leaves, and appreciate the reliable display of bright flowers. In Thailand, several colors are sometimes grafted onto a single trunk and the result trained into a standard. Lantana always prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by air-layering or from woody cuttings.

Lantana montevidensis, Lantana sellowiana

It was an early introduction elsewhere in the tropical world, where it soon escaped the confines of gardens and became a weed. Another variety L. sellowiana is also a trailing lantana with purple flowers, used as a ground cover. In Thailand, several colors are sometimes grafted onto a single trunk and the result trained into a standard. Lantana always prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by air-layering or from woody cuttings.

Lantana sp.

Lantana trifolia

Lantana trifolia is often grown as an ornamental, and as a hedge, valued particularly for its popcorn-like spikes of lavender fruits.

Lippia citriodora, Aloysia citriodora, Verbena citriodora, Verbena triphylla

Lemon verbena has an unusually pure, fruity lemon, note it is more intense than many other lemon-scented herbs. The genus name Aloysia, now also obsolescent, was allegedly given in honour of Maria Luisa Teresa de Parma (1751-1819), wife of king Carlos IV of Spain. The shrub can grow to 5 feet in height and has long narrow leaves which are highly scented smelling of lemon. It will bloom in late summer the flowers being tiny and white or lilac in color. Soil can be poor but needs a sheltered warm place and will need protecting during the cold weather. Lemon Verbena is an herbal medicine used to treat asthma, colds, fever, gas, stomach upset, and diarrhea. Lemon Verbena can be used in fruit dishes, jellies, punches, added to baked custard or home made ice cream. The leaves dry very well and can be used to make a mildly sedative tea. The leaves can also be put among linen and in pot-pourri, make an infusion of the leaves and add to your bath. An infusion is also said to be good for cleaning the teeth.