Agapetes serpens, Vaccinium serpens

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Agapetes serpens is an evergreen perennial, also known as Creeping Agapetes. It can be grown as a groundcover, or as a small shrub, depending on its cultivation and environment. Growing from 2 to 5 feet in height, this hardy species loves semi-shade and will thrive best with regular watering.

Agapetes serpens is best known for its beautiful red, crimson, and vinous flowers. The petite blooms are incredibly rich-looking, resembling delicate little Chinese lanterns with their chevron patterns. Not only are these flowers stunning, but they also attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife. Once the flowers finish blooming, they're replaced by colorful and shiny berries, which look like lavender pearls.

Agapetes serpens is hardy in USDA Zone 9-11 and can tolerate cold temperatures. Those growing in cooler zones should ensure they plant the shrub in a pot so they can be moved indoors when needed. This will also help keep the leaves safe from extreme cold weather and frost. Indoors, reasonably moist soil and warm indoor temperatures should be maintained for best results. When planting outdoors, ensure that the soil does not become too dry, and water regularly during dry spells. Pests are generally not a problem and regular pruning is advised to keep the bush looking its best.

Agapetes serpens is a stunning low-growing plant that has graced gardens for many generations. Its unique flowers, vibrant berries, and lush foliage adds a unique sense of grace and wonder to any garden. With proper planting, maintenance and care, Creeping Agapetes will continue its spread from the Himalayan foothills to garden settings all over the world.

Agathosma gonaquensis

This plant is low-lying, compact, rounded and spreading. It produces masses of white flowers, and the natural oils within its leaves produce a pleasant fragrance when the foliage is crushed or handled. Once established, it withstands both drought and frost.

Ajania pacifica, Chrysanthemum pacificum

Ajania pacifica forms a bushy mound of lobed green leaves, attractively edged with silver, remaining attractive all season long. Some gardeners grow this plant primarily for its foliage. Small yellow button flowers appear very late in the fall, sometimes lasting until Christmas. It is quite hardy in cold climates, going completely dormant in cold-winter regions, but in warmer climes it is more-or-less evergreen (though at its best in spring and summer).

Albuca spiralis

Albuca spiralis or Frizzle Sizzle, also known as the Corkscrew Albuca, is a unique and easy-to-grow plant native to South Africa. With green onion-like leaves that appear curled, each plant has its own distinct personality. It can reach between 2 to 5 feet tall with a spread of 5 to 10 feet, making it suitable for use as a groundcover or low-growing border. It also looks great in rock walls, perennial beds, and cottage gardens and can even be used for bonsai training.

In the spring, the plant produces spikes of orchid-like chartreuse-yellow flowers that have a light vanilla fragrance. It may occasionally rebloom later in the season. Frizzle Sizzle is hardy in USDA Zone 8-10, or it can be grown as a houseplant in colder regions. Just be sure to bring it indoors if the temperature drops below freezing. To care for this plant, give it lots of sun and well-draining soil, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings, similar to how you would care for a succulent.

Frizzle Sizzle is an ideal plant for home gardens as it is low maintenance and has no pest or disease problems. In colder climates, it can be overwintered indoors on a sunny window sill or allowed to go dormant by stopping watering and storing in a cool, dry location. So if you're looking for a fun and eye-catching plant that's easy to grow, consider adding Frizzle Sizzle to your collection.

Alocasia Black Velvet, Alocasia reginula

A beautiful dwarf variety which contains a significant amount of black coloration on the leaf surface. Leaves are ovate, elliptic and almost totally peltate. The upper leaf surface is a dramatic green-black color, and the lower leaf surface is a rich purple. This very unique and exotic plant would make a great addition to the collection of any seasoned plant collector. Place them in filtered sunlight sitting in a moist pebble tray. Allow the soils surface to dry down before watering. Feed only when the plant is actively growing with a liquid balanced plant food. "Black Velvet" is hard to find. These beautiful plants are usually grown in 4" and 6" inch containers.