Stigmaphyllon emarginatum, Stigmaphyllon periplocifolium

An attractive evergreen vine or creeper, Stigmaphyllon emarginatum (Monarch Amazonvine) is a beautiful plant native to tropical America. It prefers full sun and regular water to thrive, with its growth pushing to an astonishing height of 20 feet or more. It features glossy, deep green foliage and delightful yellow to orange flowers that appear every few inches along its slender and twining stems.

In warmer climates, Stigmaphyllon emarginatum is a perfect choice for growing in ground or in containers. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be planted in any place that receives ample sunlight and regular watering. Plant the vine in well-draining soil and amend it with compost for best results.

In cooler regions, the plant can be grown in pots. Place them in a sheltered area with filtered sunlight and water the soil well when it's dry. Make sure to bring the pots indoors during winter or subject them to frost protection measures to ensure the survival of the vine. Also, provide extra warmth and humidity during the winter months to maintain its growth.

Stigmaphyllon emarginatum is a low-maintenance plant and requires little care. Prune it occasionally to maintain its growth and trim any damaged stems. Fertilize it once in the spring with a balanced fertilizer and water regularly to keep the soil moist. With proper care, the Monarch Amazonvine will flower with abundance of attractive yellow and orange blooms.

Stigmaphyllon sp.

It has slender, twining stems set every few inches with flat, heart-shaped leaves up to 4in long. The flowers are reminiscent of those of the Lagerstroemia in form, each petal expanding abruptly from a narrow basal claw. They measure a little over 1in across and are brilliant yellow in color. It thrives in sun or light shade and well drained soil, with moderate watering.

Species and varieties:

Stigmaphyllon ciliatum

Stigmaphyllon emarginatum

Strelitzia reginae

Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as Bird of Paradise, is a South African plant that produces striking flowers in various bright colors such as white, off-white, blue, lavender, purple, and yellow-orange. This species is relatively small, usually growing between 2-5 ft tall, and is well-suited to thrive in full sun to semi-shade with moderate watering.

The plant's tall flower spikes are striking characteristic and are topped with brilliant orange sepals and bright blue petals. The flowers emerge one at a time from a hard, beak-like sheath called a spathe. This gives the flower the appearance of a bird's head, hence the common name Bird of Paradise.

Strelitzia reginae is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that responds well to regular feeding with a slow-release fertilizer and compost. It thrives in a rich, loamy soil with plenty of water throughout the year, and it can tolerate a variety of soils and conditions.

The plant grows well in USDA Zones 9-11. It is advisable to keep the plant in a sheltered spot in areas with frost or in pots that can be moved indoors during freezing temperatures.

In summary, Strelitzia reginae is a unique and memorable plant that is sure to make a statement in any garden. Its stunning flower structure, low-maintenance nature, and tolerance to different soils and conditions have made it a popular choice for gardeners around the world.

Streptocarpus sp.

Streptocarpus have shallow root systems and are best grown in wide shallow pots using a well-drained soil-less compost.

Keep in good light but not exposed to hot sun which can cause leaf scorch. An east or west-facing windowsill is best in summer; in winter move to a south-facing position.

To increase humidity in drier surroundings stand the pots on saucers of pebbles kept moist, but do not allow the water to reach the base of the pot.

Overwatering and/or too dense a soil mix. This is really the only way one can kill most modern streptocarpus hybrids. Streps almost always will recover from lack of water, even when almost totally limp, but can be killed by continual overwatering. For this same reason, a lighter soil mix is always preferred over a heavy one.

Streptosolen jamesonii

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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A spectacular bloomer, it is a rambling perennial vine that without support will grow 4-6 feet tall and wide. It is great for containers, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover in Southern landscapes. Oval-shaped evergreen leaves with a wrinkled appearance clothe the sprawling branches. A bountiful of orange, bell-shaped flowers bloom at the terminal ends of the branches in the spring and summer. Best in sun or part shade with regular watering. The shrub is evergreen and striking in any position, especially spilling over walls and lining garden stairs. It is somewhat frost tender though, and needs a protected position, or cut back before cold weather.