Lippia turbinata

Nashia inaguensis

Nashia inaguensis, also known as Moujean Tea, is an evergreen shrub that is native to the eastern Caribbean islands, particularly the island of Inagua in the Bahamas, where it crawls along sunny, rocky outcroppings that are semi-protected from steady high winds. The plant has a low-growing habit of 2 feet, but can grow up to 5 feet when mature.

The shrub prefers full sun, warmth, and high humidity, and cannot tolerate even brief spells of dryness. Its aromatic leaves have fragrant scents of pineapple, citrus, and vanilla, which can be used as a spice or herbal tea. Tiny white flowers are borne in clusters during summer, which are followed by reddish orange berries. The ornamental foliage and fragrance of Nashia inaguensis make it a popular choice for bonsai, groundcover, and topiary.

In cold regions, Nashia inaguensis should be grown in a pot indoors, where it can be kept in temperatures between 65-75 degrees F during the day and at least 55 degrees F at night. The plant must be kept consistently moist to wet, and temperatures below 30 degrees F can be dangerous for it. During spring and summer, the plant should be fertilized regularly to ensure optimal growth and health.

Nashia inaguensis is often used as a bonsai plant due to its miniaturized features, and it is a good choice for a small topiary or bonsai.

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Arbor Tristis) is a large shrub or small tree native to South Asia and India. It is usually 5-10 feet tall, but can grow up to 20 feet tall. It thrives in full sun or semi-shade, and requires moderate water. The unique and fragrant flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis are 1-2 inches wide and range in color from pure white to off-white to red and crimson. These flowers are a great addition to any garden, as they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. In colder regions, it can also be grown in a pot, as it is mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time.

When planting Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, it is important to use well-drained soil and fertilize once a month. Additionally, the plant is ethno-medically important and is used in Buddhist temples for worship. Stems are used for relief of headache, leaf - cholecystagogue, and flower - antipyretic and treatment of faintness and vertigo.

In addition to its medicinal and spiritual significance, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is also a popular ornamental plant because of its beauty and romantic lore. According to mythology, the plant originated when God Krishna brought it to earth and a quarrel ensued between his wives Satyabhama and Rukmini. Another story suggests that a princess named Parijataka committed suicide when her lover left her, and the tree grew from her ashes, shedding flowers like tear-drops before the sun rises each morning before dawn.

No matter your reason for planting Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, it is sure to be an exotic addition to any garden.

Oxera pulchella

Oxera pulchella (Royal Creeper) is a vine or creeper native to New Caledonia. This tender evergreen climber is quite splendid, with thick, leathery, bluntly ovate leaves. In the perfect conditions the stems will reach 8-10ft or more, boastingly displaying large clusters of white to off-white Azalea shaped pendant bells flowers with a hint of cream yellow. The perfect trumpet shaped blooms are sure to attract an abundance of butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinating species.

This climber will require a full, sunny spot and fertile, light soil. It is hardy at least up to 30°F for a short time making it a good choice to grow in USDA Zone 9-11. Regular watering is recommended for best results, however after flowering the water should be reduced for conservation. The Royal Creeper is a winter bloomer, and it might very well be one of its most beautiful features, adding a dainty spectacle in the colder months.

For those living in cold climate, we advise planting the Royal Creeper in containers and using insulation materials to protect it from the cold. These materials can range from straw and wood shavings to plastic wrap, covering the plant with a burlap sack, and bring the pot indoors when necessary. Gardeners must also make sure to adjust the amount of water and fertilizer accordingly, as planted in containers the climber will require more frequent waterings, and a more balanced nutritional diet.

Petraeovitex bambusetorum, Petraeovitex wolfei

This amazing climber brings ease of culture, vigorous growth and stunning floral form to the container gardener. Flowering from spring through fall, the blooms form on the tips of its vining stems and pendulate down 2' or more in length. Soft yellow bracts and creamy white flowers form a pendulous infloresence that opens over many weeks. Train it on a trellis or a fence.

See Article about Petraeovitex bambusetorum.

Petrea arborea

Petrea arborea, commonly known as Blue Jasmine, is a large shrub that can grow to a height of between five and ten feet. It is native to tropical America and is grown in USDA zones 9 to 11. Blue Jasmine is a delightful and attractive flowering shrub that will brighten up any outdoor space.

This shrub requires little maintenance but will require moderate watering during dry periods. It loves full sun and should have consistent access to plenty of bright, direct sunlight. If planted in an area with too little sun, Blue Jasmine may become less vigorous and the flowers may not be as plentiful and vivid.

When given the right care, Blue Jasmine will put on a spectacular show of bluish-plum flowers in the late winter. These blooms also come in lavender and purple shades that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

When growing Blue Jasmine in areas where it is not hardy or in a contained environment, such as a pot, it is important to provide extra protections during the winter. This shrub can thrive in colder regions but will require extra perseverance. Maintaining the right soil type is essential. It needs a well-draining, slightly acidic soil and will also require additional protection in the winter and supplemental watering. Mulching is highly recommended, as this will help insulate the root system and will also help the soil stay moist.

Overall, Petrea arborea is a beautiful and hardy shrub that will bring a burst of life to any outdoor space. With the right care and attention, it will reward you with stunning blooms every year.

Petrea pubescens, Petrea glandulosa, Petrea volubilis var. alba

Petrea volubilis, Petrea kohautiana, Petrea racemosa

A twining vine with rough green leaves and spectacular tall clusters of purple flowers. It likes warm and humid conditions. The flowers come in raceme reaching over 1 foot long, the flowers lasts a couple of days but the blue calices remain much longer, slowly turning gray.

See Article about Petrea.

Phyla dulcis, Lippia dulcis, Phyla scaberrima, Lippia mexicana

Known by the Aztec as "Tzopelic Xihuitl". This Mexican herb with oval-shaped leaves and small white flowers is a sprawling ground cover type plant that has an incredibly sweet leaf. This natural sweetener many times sweeter than sugar. Leaves can be eaten from the plant like candy or tossed into fruit salads for an unusual addition. It is used since at least the time of the Aztecs for coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, and colic. Traditional Mexican folk use of leaves as an expectorant and as a stimulant. Plant is excellent in hanging baskets.

Phyla nodiflora, Lippia nodiflora

Mat-like perennial ground cover. Sturdy enough to be used as a lawn substitute, can be walked on, and mowed if needed. Dormant in winter.

The fresh leaves are used as a tea substitute.

The plant is anodyne, antibacterial, deobstruent, diuretic, emmenagogue, parasiticide and refrigerant. It is used in the treatment of hookworm. The juice of the plant is cooling and is used to relieve fevers, coughs and colds. The aroma of the inhaled plant is breathed in to treat coughs and colds. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of gastric troubles.

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position. Prefers a moderately fertile soil, but succeeds in soils of low fertility.

Propagation: Division or seeds in spring, cuttings in late summer.

Lippia queretarensis - syn.L. nodiflora var. normalis f. sericea