Sternbergia clusiana

Sternbergia clusiana is a small shrub, 2-5 ft in height, native to Jordan, Israel, Turkey, and Iran. Blooms in mid to late autumn, Sternbergia clusiana produces bright yellow-orange flowers on upright stems that are held above the foliage. It is a hardy plant and is cold tolerant, making it a great choice for growing in USDA zones 9-11.

When planted in full sun and provided with moderate water, Sternbergia clusiana will grow quickly and reward you with an array of dazzling winter blooms. In colder conditions, however, it should be planted in a pot and brought indoors during the winter for protection. To promote growth for the upcoming season, ensure that soil is kept moist and sandy. Pruning the dead vegetation from the previous season can help to foster new growth. Enjoy your Sternbergia in a patio pot or when planted in a cold region, such as USDA Zones 9-11. Plant in a sunny locale and provide ample water, and expect dazzling color just in time for the cooler weather!

Steudnera discolor

Stictocardia beraviensis, Ipomoea beraviensis

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Every one who saw Hawaiian sunsets will recognize the dramatic view in colors of this blossom. The stunning flower has splendid rich tones that are a marvel to see! This tropical vine is definitely a must in any tropical collection since it has so many great features: fast growing, takes from fun sun to deep shade, beautiful tri-color sunset-bright scented flowers, large tropical-looking velvet leaves, blooms sporadically year round, relatively cold hardy, can be grown in container and easily controlled. You can have an outstanding specimen even if you have a limited space!

See Article about this plant.

Stifftia chrysantha

Stifftia chrysantha is an exotic, rare flowering small tree with spectacular flowers, endemic to the vast tropical savanna ecoregion of Brazil called Cerrado.

It grows into a bushy, attractive tree between 8 and 15 ft. tall, and starts flowering within 1.5 - 2.5 years from seed. It is a very rewarding plant that blooms 9 months out of the year, starting in Winter with great intensity during July-September, with each flower staying on the plant for several weeks. Seeds ripen from September through November.

The tree belongs to Aster family and has nothing to do with Powderpuffs which are from Bean (Fabaceae) family. The flower has 30 to 40 green, imbricated scales with short hairs, and actinomorphic corollas are orange below and darker above. After flowering, the inflorescence blows apart, which would scatter seeds. The dried center remaining is very attractive, like a small dried flower, and lasts for many months.

Stifftia can be grown in full sun to partial shade and is relatively cold tolerant, can take short cold spells. Young plants have delicate tender leaves that need protection from hot sun, filtered light required until established.

Stifftia doesn't like wet feet and heavy/soggy soils; requires very well drained, acidic soil. We strongly recommend to use our professional soilless mix. Let soil slightly dry between waterings. Stifftia prefers acidic soils so if your well water is high in calcium, try to water my young plants with rain water (coming from a collection barrel). When making growing media specifically for Stifftia and other acid-loving plants, never add limestone or Dolomite to the mix.

The plant can be grown in full sun to partial shade and is relatively cold tolerant, can take short cold spells. If grown in a pot, try to keep the container shaded because roots don't like to be overheated. The plant needs monthly applications of slow release fertilizer as well as extra iron - use micro-nutrients to keep leaves green and healthy.

In Brazil is is very popular as ornamental, and flowers are commercialized for floral arrangement.

Stigmaphyllon ciliatum

Stigmaphyllon ciliatum (Orchid Vine), a plant native to tropical America, is an easy to care for and delicate vine with huge heads of bright yellow or orange flowers similar to oncidium orchids. From spring to fall, it blooms profusely and its blossoms are similar to those of the Lagerstroemia in shape, with each petal abruptly expanding from a small base claw. Each flower measures slightly over an inch across, radiating a vibrant yellow color.

It prefers full sun and soil that is well-drained, and it should be given a moderate level of water; however, in warm climates it is able to tolerate a bit of shade. In cold regions, it can be grown in a pot by providing it with some protection from the cold and excessive precipitation. This can be done by mulching the pot and providing a shelter away from the frost. Additionally, Orchid Vine is usually tolerant to short-term cold temperatures down to 30°F, while extended cold may cause significant damage to plants.

When planted in the landscape, Stigmaphyllon ciliatum can be trained along a wall or trellis, where it can grow up to 15-20ft in height. It can also be used to cover banks and as a border. Pruning of dead branches and flowers after blooming is essential for its growth and to encourage healthy new growth. Additionally, its roots can be pruned to promote the growth of thicker branches. When taking any action to help it grow, don't forget to provide it with the adequate level of water.

Overall, Stigmaphyllon ciliatum is an easy-care vine with beautiful yellow and orange flowers, perfect for adding a splash of color to any garden. With the right growing conditions and some patience, you can have a vibrant, blossoming addition to your outdoor space in no time.