Subtropical plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 109)

Species: Wisteria sinensis, Wisteria floribunda, Wisteria frutescens, Wisteria macrostachya. Vigorous, showy, woody ornamental vines that can climb trees, apparently limited only by the height of the tree, and have been observed to reach 65 feet. Unlike American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), which flowers June through August, exotic wisterias flower in the springtime (April-May) and produce a velvety seed pod. The fuzzy brown seed pods are 4-6 inches long, narrowed toward the base, with constrictions between the seeds. Stems of the exotic wisterias can grow to 15 inches in diameter in older plants. White-barked Japanese wisteria vines twine clockwise around the host plant and Chinese wisteria twines counter-clockwise. Fragrant, violet to blue-violet flowers, occur in showy, pendulous clusters that hang gracefully from the twining stems. Exotic wisterias are long-lived, some vines surviving 50 years or more.

The foxtail palm is from northeastern Australia - Queensland. It can reach a height of 30 to 50 feet and has fronds that are plumose like a "Fox tail". This palm comes from a tropical area, however, plants outdoors or in the ground in Florida and California are doing great. One of the most beautiful and graceful palm trees.

This is one of the most beautiful, exciting and useful plants among fragrant tropicals. A very fragrant, enchanting shrub, flowers are fruity scented, pendant, are born along its twiggy branches. Foliage is thin and slightly hairy, it can flower almost all year, easy to prune for shape and size. It is widely planted near and around temples and homes for its stunning fragrance. Prefers well draining soil, partial to full sun. A truly remarkable site! It has always been a popular ornamental tree in temples and houses. In Thailand, it is probably the most popular plant, you can see it everywhere along the streets planted in ground as a specimen, a hedge or potted, it belongs to every garden! This plant is sacred among Buddists. Fruits are paired pods, 9" long. Wrightia is easy to maintain and requires minimum supervision but needs constant watering only. Wrightia is cold sensitive and becomes deciduous under 65F, it might look ugly in winter in cooler zones (hardy to zone 9). In warm subtropical and tropical climates it stays evergreen and blooms year round. Because of its fast growth rate Wrightia can be trained into a bonsai tree within a short period of time. It can be easily trained and wired into odd and weird shapes. Traditionally used as medicinal herb. Roots are used to cure skin disease. There are many varieties and cultivars of wrightia.

The Chitalpa is a cross between Catalpa bignonioides and Chilopsis linearis. The Chilopsis is a desert tree, sometimes called a Desert Willow. From the Chilopsis, the Chitalpa inherits long 3 to 5 inch dark green leaves and the ability to withstand some dry heat. However, unlike its desert parent, the Chitalpa can withstand low temperatures of around minus 15 degrees. Flowers are orchidlike and produced in July or August at the ends of new growth. At several feet a year the Chitalpa reaches its 25 to 30 foot height and breadth quickly and makes shady spots fast. It is a drought-resistant plant, a trait inherited from the desert willow, and it is fairly hardy, having withstood temperatures as low as 9F. It has been noted that it will freeze back to the ground in Zone 6. Although many fast-growing trees are intolerant of windy situations, chitalpa can withstand even strong winds without breakage. Unlike either of its parents, chitalpa is sterile and produces no messy seed pods. Propagation: Cuttings. The initial hybrids between Catalpa and Chilopsis were created in Uzbekistan in 1964 and introduced to the United States by Robert Hebb of the New York Botanic Garden in 1977. (Chitalpa is a combination of the scientific name of the two parents, while the specific name identifies the city in Uzbekistan where the hybrids were created.) Although in cultivation in the United States during the 1980s, the hybrid remained unnamed until 1991 when Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden assigned the name x Chitalpa tashkentensis.

It clusters generous panicles of intensely fragant, off-white flowers.

Xanthoceras sorbifolium, also known as Shiny Leaf Yellowhorn, is an attractive large shrub or small tree, which is native to China. It generally reaches a height of 5-10 ft, but can develop into a small tree of 10-20 ft depending on the area. It is deciduous and is cold hardy at least to the 30s F for a short time, and can be grown in USDA Zones 4-7.

It thrives in full sun and semi-shade, requiring regular watering. In Spring, it bears multitudes of flower spikes densely packed with star-shaped white flowers featuring chartreuse centers that darken to an intense scarlet. These are heavily fragrant and very attractive to pollinators.

It also produces edible fruits, which hang from the branches in bunches at the end of summer. Each fruit has a single large seed covered by an orange/yellow skin. These seeds and skin are edible, but also have medicinal and therapeutic uses, making it a medicinal tree as well. The fruits have a sweet, tart flavor, and can be eaten raw or used in various recipes. The fruits are also high in protein, fiber, iron and vitamin B1, which has several health benefits. It can produce up to 10,000 fruits per season if it is in ideal conditions.

In colder regions, Xanthoceras sorbifolium is usually grown in a pot. While container grown plants require more attention and regular water and fertilizer, they are more easily managed in cold climates. The container should be sufficiently deep and wide to accommodate a root system. A rich potting mix, good drainage and exposure to full sun is recommended for the optimal growth of the plant.

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.

Yucca typically grows up to 5-10 feet tall, that is a popular ornamental plant for Mediterranean gardens, giving a huge impact to the garden when in full bloom. Yucca boasts of attractive foliage, producing sword-shaped leaves that keep the plant looking green, even during the summer months. The uniqueness of the foliage and its variable forms makes it an excellent species for adding texture in the garden.

The ornamental foliage of the Yucca will delightfully burst into bloom during summer. The plant produces creamy white or off-white flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The fragrant blooms are also perfect for adding a touch of texture and interest to bouquets.

Different species of Yucca can tolerate cold within the USDA Zones 4a to 11, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The Yucca is also adapted to seaside conditions and is quite salt-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for coastal gardens.

Yucca requires minimal effort. The plant prefers well-drained soil, but it can tolerate a range of soil pH, both acidic and alkaline. It can also tolerate moderate levels of humidity and needs full sun to partial shade. Yucca is very tolerant of drought, so it needs only occasional watering during dry spells.

For gardeners living in cold regions, Yucca is an excellent choice for a pot-grown plant. It is important to provide adequate drainage and choose a pot that is large enough for the root system. During the growing season, make sure to water the Yucca regularly and feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month. In winter, the plant will need some protection to survive the cold temperatures and the plant should be brought indoors.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Aroid Palm) is a small shrub reaching 2-5 ft tall, native to Tanzania, Zanzibar and other parts of eastern Africa. With its ornamental foliage and shiny elliptical leaves arranged in upright clusters, this resilient plant is remarkably easy to grow. It tolerates low water and low light conditions, thriving equally well in semi-shade. An excellent choice for a houseplant, it can also perform well in seaside gardens and other warm-climate outdoor settings in USDA Zones 9 11.

Zamioculcas is highly tolerant of salt, making it suitable for outdoor planters in coastal areas. It is also known for withstanding occasional neglect, including infrequent repotting. Water sparingly, as overwatering may cause lower leaves to yellow. When grown in containers, place in bright indirect light or partial shade; plants in full sun will need more frequent watering. In regions with winter frost, move pots indoors to a warm location and monitor for leaf discoloration. Fertilize lightly once or twice a year before growth starts in spring. With its glossy foliage, striking form, and ease of care, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a standout specimen for both home and office.

Zamioculcas 'Black Dragon' is a rare and highly sought-after variety with foliage so dark it appears almost black. Young leaves emerge bright green and gradually deepen to their distinctive near-black shade as they mature. This dramatic color change, combined with the plant s naturally glossy texture, makes 'Black Dragon' a striking focal point in any collection. Its care requirements match those of the standard form, making it just as undemanding while offering an even bolder visual impact.

Various members of the genus may bloom spring only or repeat and continue into autumn, often a few days after rainstorms thus one of the common names, Rain Lily. Most are spring or summer flowering.

Cultivation from seed is easy in this group. Seeds are papery and can be floated but they sprout very easily sown under just a thin covering of sowing medium. Sow the seeds in a well-drained mix and keep in a warm place. The seedlings will grow well in warm weather and respond well to fertilizer. As with any papery seeded amaryllids, these have a relatively short viability period.

Zephyranthes pulchella - Showy Zephyrlily - is found in the coastal prairies and wet roadsides of eastern Texas and Gulf Coast Louisiana. The leaves grow through the winter and spring and die off in summer; flowering occurs in autumn. Leaves are linear and sedge-like and flowers are golden yellow. Pulchella means "pretty". These spectacular rain lilies growing in the highway medians near Refugio, Texas, on the east coast of that state. The glossy green leaves serve as a nice foil to the bright yellow flowers that are held just atop the foliage. The vigorously multiplying clumps flower for us from late summer into fall.

Zephyranthes flowers are very similar to Habranthus flowers and both are called rain lilies. Habranthus flowers point upward BUT at an angle and have unequal stamens, and Zephyranthes flowers point straight up and have equal stamens. Zephyranthes flowers tend to be star shaped and Habranthus have somewhat irregular flowers. Additionally, the seeds of Habranthus are slightly winged (and thicker).

See Article about Zephyranthes.