Petunia x hybrida

Petunia is a widely cultivated genus of flowering plants of South American origin. Most of the varieties seen in gardens are hybrids. They have wide trumpet shaped flowers and branching foliage that is hairy and somewhat sticky.

Phacelia campanularia

Phacelia campanularia is found in rocky slopes and sandy washes in California, up to 6,000 ft altitude. This small shrub grows between 2-5 ft tall, with an upright, wiry, branching habit. It is a drought tolerant plant and will tolerate periods of no water if the soil is well drained.

This California native prefers a location in full sun but can tolerate part shade for partial day. Once established, it needs moderate water. The flowers are a beautiful gentian blue and range from deep blue to lavender and purple. In mild climates, it may even flower year round. The flowers are quite attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Phacelia campanularia can be grown outdoors in USDA Zone 9-11. Gardeners in colder regions may try growing it in a container near a sunny wall. Provide the bell-flowered plant water and protection from extreme temperatures to keep it blooming properly.

It is a very attractive, easy-care plant and can be an excellent addition to a planting bed or rockery. Butterfly, bee, and hummingbird enthusiasts will appreciate the beauty of this drought tolerant plant.

Phalaenopsis parishii, Aerides decumbens

This popular, small shrub grows 2-5 feet in width and height. Phalaenopsis parishii is a semishade loving species and thrives best in a slightly moist environment with enough air circulation. The plant boasts beautiful and fragrant white or off-white flowers with a hint of lavender, purple and blue, measuring 3-4 cm in diameter.

Although the plant can be found thriving in warm regions, it can also be grown in cold areas with the right level of care. To grow Phalaenopsis parishii in cold regions, it is recommended to put the flowerpot in warm regions or alternatively, use lightweight soil and take the pot inside a warm spot during the night. Adding humidity around the flowerpot is also a great way to improve growing success of this plant. Another important task is to ensure the soil is well drained, so it does not get sogged and stops the roots from breathing. In terms of lighting, the plant loves bright and indirect sunlight, something like the warm bright morning or late afternoon sun.

In order to bear plenty of fragrant flowers and keep growing, Phalaenopsis parishii needs regular fertilization. Best time to fertilize the plant it is when it is actively growing, when it is blooming and when it is slightly resting. Always use watering-soluble balanced fertilizers, like 10-10-10, in half strength and apply once a month. Also, since the plant loves lots of water, make sure its soil is always damp.

Overall, Phalaenopsis parishii is a wonderful and exotic addition to the garden and a great houseplant that can grow in both warm and cold regions. With the right care and fertilization, it will look its best and start blooming wonderful flowers year-round.

Phalaenopsis sp.

These are definately warm growers who like to be shaded, the perfect houseplant, and very free flowering. These orchids are the easiest and most rewarding of the family for the home grower as they produce arching spikes of ten or more flowers as often as three times a year. In nature there are just under 50 wild species which are found from India eastwards through the Philippines and into Northern Australia. The name Phalaenopsis is from the Greek and means moth-like. The plants are shade-loving and grow on branches or on rocks where the air is warm and moist. Phalaenopsis plants do not have pseudobulbs and the strength of the plant is in its large, leathery leaves and thick roots. New leaves appear slowly and regularly over each other and are generally a deep green but occasionally can he attractively mottled. The flowers appear on a spike from the stem between the leaves and, depending on the type, there may be anything from a single flower to over a hundred. When flowering has finished, or ideally has one or two flowers left, you can trim off the spike to around 1 inch from just above the first node on the main spike stem, that will be somewhere below where the first flower appeared, and is a little bump covered by a small leaflet, it may re spike and flower early from there, or if the spike has died fully and gone brown, trim off the flower spikes to within 1 inch from where they appeared out of the side of the plant, and look after it, it should re bloom on new spikes next year; occasionally a flower bud will develop into a small plant with roots which can be cut off and potted up. These propagations may flower within a couple of years. Many hundreds of hybrids have been bred, and the trade in Phalaenopsis is a huge pot-plant market because of the ease of cultivation as house plants.

See Orchid page for pictures of different orchids and care info.

Philenoptera violacea, Lonchocarpus capassa, Capassa violacea

The apple leaf tree is an ethnomedical plant native to Tanzania and Namibia.

Philenoptera violacea (Apple Leaf) is an attractive small tree that grows to a height of 10-20 feet and can spread 12 to 20 feet wide. The beautiful canopy is made up of fern-like deeply divided leaves that are bright green in color. During the summer months, the Apple Leaf produces an array of stunning flowers in shades of pink, blue, lavender and purple. The flowers have a pleasant, light fragrance and attract butterflies and hummingbirds as well.

The Apple Leaf is easy to care for and requires full sun and regular water. This tough tree can tolerate a variety of soil types and can usually survive short periods of cold weather, down to temperatures of at least 30˚F. Therefore, it can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

For colder regions, Apple Leaf can still be grown in a pot and brought indoors during winter. To keep it healthy, the tree should be repotted with fresh soil each spring and should be watered regularly, making sure to let the soil dry out in between watering sessions. Additionally, it's important to fertilize the plant twice a year in Spring and late summer. Pruning should be done in early summer to shape the canopy and increase flower production.

Apple Leaf is an eye-catching and beneficial addition to any garden. With its brightly-colored flowers and sweet scent, it's sure to attract many admirers. Moreover, for gardeners toting a green thumb, its easy-care nature and resilience make it an excellent tree even for novice gardeners.