Subtropical plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 5)

The leaves of the Acoelorraphe wrightii (Paurotis) are light green color, palmate and pinnate. Although it is a small palm, its leaves give it an especially lush and airy texture. Paurotis can tolerate salt wind and slightly salty soils. It is also known to be cold hardy to the low 30s F for a short time, but it must be covered with a blanket or a cover during those times.

It is best to keep the plants moist and then gradually reduce the amount of water as the plant matures. If you are in a cold region and want to grow this plant in a pot, you will need to make sure it is in a well-draining location. The pot should be placed in a semi-shaded area and mulch should used around the base of the pot. Regular watering and feeding should also be given throughout the growing season.

Overall, Acoelorraphe wrightii (Paurotis) is a great palm to grow in USDA zone 9-11. It requires full sun or semi-shade and regular water to thrive, making it an excellent choice for any garden, especially near a seaside location.

Different Aconitum species (and their varieties) scattered across temperate regions of globe.

These are handsome plants, the tall, erect stem being crowned by racemes of large and eye-catching blue, purple, white, yellow or pink zygomorphic flowers. Aconitum is grown in gardens for its attractive spike like inflorescences and showy flowers.

All Aconitum plants contain poisonous alkaloids that can, in sufficient quantity, be deadly. Man has used Aconitum as a medicine and poison for thousands of years. Outside Europe it was widely used for its medical properties.

The plants are evergreen in warmer climates, but they will die back to ground level in colder climates. Although they are water lovers, this species can take quite a bit of drought. I have seen this plant used as an accent in dry rock gardens.

The fast-growing, climbing vine is very hardy, and is capable of surviving slow temperature drops to -34 C (-30 F), although young shoots can be vulnerable to frost in the spring. This vine needs a strong (vines are heavy) support structure on which to grow such as a trellis, arbor, patio overhead, fence or wall.

Actinidia chinensis is a vigorous deciduous climbing vine native to central and southern China. When supported by a trellis, arbor, or fence, it can stretch to about 30 feet, covering the structure with a lush canopy of broad, heart-shaped leaves. In warm months the vine grows quickly, often filling its allotted space within two or three seasons.

The plant thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, although a touch of afternoon shade is welcome in hot climates. Consistent moisture throughout summer is essential, as dry spells can noticeably reduce both fruit size and quality. In late spring, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers open, usually on separate male and female plants. Female vines that receive good pollination produce the familiar fuzzy brown fruits by late autumn. Depending on the variety and ripeness, the fruit may be tangy, sweet-tart, or mellow in flavor, with sweetness varying widely.

The first domesticated form of kiwifruit was Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa, also treated in the literature as Actinidia deliciosa. This green, fuzzy kiwifruit originates from central southern China, where it grows naturally at elevations of 800 to 1,400 m. It became the first kiwifruit vine to enter large-scale commercial cultivation and remains the foundation of the traditional green kiwifruit market. The golden-fleshed cultivar Actinidia chinensis 'Sun Gold', often seen in markets, is notably sweeter and less tangy than many other selections.

While best suited to USDA Zones 8 9, it can be grown in sheltered spots in Zone 7 with winter and late frost protection. Young shoots are sensitive to cold snaps in spring. The vine can also be managed in a large container with regular pruning and a compact trellis, though this demands attentive watering and feeding. Fruits are enjoyed fresh, blended into drinks, or preserved as jam.