Mucuna gigantea

Mucuna gigantea (White Jade Vine) is a type of vine or creeper that requires full sun to semi-shade, and regular watering for best growth. Its white or off-white flowers are produced in pendent, round-topped, umbel-like clusters and often appear in late winter or early spring. The leaves are trifoliolate, with three wide, hairless, green leaflets.

The stems and leaves of the White Jade Vine are mildly irritating to the skin, so it is best handled with gloves. Despite this, it is still an ethnomedical plant, used in various traditional medical systems. The woody, polished seeds of the vine - which resemble hamburgers - are used in making necklaces and leis. These seeds are poisonous, containing L-DOPA and other possibly toxic substances.

Mucuna gigantea is a salt tolerant plant that can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Its ideal growing conditions include an area near the seaside or other coastal areas, with full sun to semi-shade. Even though this plant thrives near seaside environments, it does not require sowing or propagation. Regular watering is needed to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. The White Jade Vine prefers slightly acidic soils, and can be grown in pots in cold regions. Feeding with a balanced organic fertilizer once month during the growing season is recommended. Any pruning should be done lightly, in late winter or early spring.

Nephthytis afzelii

The leaves are evergreen, light and dark green, 15-35 cm long, and are usually arrowhead-shaped, with three lobes. The leaf shape can vary depending on the age of the plant. The bright orange berries, 4 as a rule, measuring about 2.5 to 3 cm (1 to l-1/4 in) in length, are borne in the axils of the spathes, which are persistent. One advantage of the fruit is that it colors rapidly and then ripens on the plant for a period of almost six months. It functions well as a hanging or terrarium plant. The most common of its problems is root rot and can be avoided by providing adequate drainage.

An unrelated American species, Syngonium podophyllum, commonly grown as a houseplant, was originally confused with the similar-looking Nephthytis. It still retains Nephthytis as a common name, though it was given its own genus in 1879.

Nerium oleander

When it comes to growing Nerium oleander in a pot, the important thing to consider is that the shrub, which can range from a large bush of five to ten feet tall, to a small tree of between ten and twenty feet, depending on the cultivar, should get plenty of sun, but should also remain in a well-watered state, as oleanders do not like dry soil. Regular watering is an important part of oleander care, but some cultivars, such as the 'Southern Red' which has red, crimson and vinous flowers, are more drought-tolerant. The fragrant flowers of the oleander can be white, off-white, pink or red, depending on the cultivar, and are known for their beauty from late spring until fall, when they will spread a sweet scent if planted in an area with plenty of sun and good drainage.

When it comes to cold weather, it is important to note that mature Nerium oleanders may be cold hardy down to at least thirty degrees Fahrenheit for a short time, depending on the cultivar, a fact which makes it well suited for seaside areas where salt tolerance is advantageous. For those living in regions where cold temperatures reach beyond this, consider planting oleanders in containers and bringing them indoors during the winter, or wrapping the plant with a frost blanket when the temperature dips. Like most members of the Apocynaceae family, all flowers of the plant are poisonous; the smoke from burning clippings will produce a reaction in some people.

Odontadenia macrantha, Odontadenia grandiflora, Odontadenia speciosa, Echites macrantha

Odontadenia macrantha, also known as Odontadenia, is a fast-growing, evergreen vine or creeper native to Northern South America and Central America. It produces large, fragrant, blossoms in shades of yellow and orange, making it an attractive addition to any garden. The flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, and the scent is so sweet and pleasing that it's hard to resist.

This plant does best in full sun to semi-shade and moderate water. It is hardy in USDA Zone 9-11, so it can be grown in cooler regions in a pot. However, it should be kept in a sheltered spot and brought indoors during cold weather. To ensure the best growth, it's important to keep the foliage free of dust and to provide adequate water and nutrients.

It's important to note that Odontadenia's sap can cause skin irritation, so it's best to wear gloves while pruning or handling the plant. In addition, deadheading the spent blooms will promote better flowering throughout the year.

Odontadenia macrantha is a great addition to any garden, providing richly scented flowers and a wonderful habitat for butterflies and hummingbirds. With proper care and attention, it will provide a beautiful display for many years to come.

Ornithogalum sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Ornithogalum species are native to Africa, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. Ornithogalum plants range from small to tall with sizes from 2-5 feet. They have white to off-white flowers with some varieties having yellow or orange flowers. These plants have a long history of ethnomedical uses and are thought to have some irritating qualities. Ornithogalum sp. attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.

Growing Ornithogalum sp. is easy, but knowledge of the right conditions is necessary. These plants will need regular amounts of water and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Ornithogalum sp. will also thrive in well-drained soil and will need to be fertilized twice a year.

If you are growing Ornithogalum sp. in pots in cold regions, you will need to ensure the plants are protected during heavy frosts. This can be done by bringing the pot indoors to a sheltered spot. If you cannot move the pot indoors, then you can cover the pot with a frost cloth or bubble wrap during particularly cold nights.

Overall, Ornithogalum sp. are a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden. They are easy to look after, attract beautiful birds and butterflies, and will provide you with stunning blooms for many years to come.