Zingiber sp. Firecracker

Zingiber sp. Golden Princess

Golden Princess (Zingiber sp.) is a small plant that grows 2-5 ft tall and wide. It has lush green foliage and blooms with beautiful yellow, orange flowers. The blooms are highly fragrant and release an inviting scent into the surrounding environment.

This tropical plant prefers a semi-shaded location, with regular watering. When growing Golden Princess in USDA Zones 9-11, especially in cooler regions, regular watering and fertilizing are essential to keep plants healthy. It is also important to protect plants from frost and provide protection from strong winds. To ensure successful growth, place the pot in an area that receives plenty of indirect sunlight.

Golden Princess can be easily propagated from cuttings towards the end of the summer, when it is hot and the humidity is high. This process is best done when the temperature is warm during the day, but not too hot at night.

In areas with colder climates, Golden Princess should be grown from a pot. The pot should be kept in a warm, protected area, such as in a sheltered spot, away from cold winds. To keep the plant healthy and blooming, water regularly and fertilize during the spring and summer months.

Overall, Golden Princess is a great addition to any garden, patio or balcony. It can bring vibrancy and the unmistakable, sweet fragrance of its bright, yellow flowers. With regular water and fertilizer, and protection from frost, it can provide years of enjoyment and beauty.

Zingiber spectabile

Zingiber spectabile (Beehive Ginger) is a small plant typically found in the Malaya region, and is known for its ornamental foliage, fragrant yellow and orange flowers, and mature plant's hardiness in cold temperatures. The mounding plant can reach up to 2-5 ft in height and width and prefers a location with full sun to semi-shade exposure, and regular watering. In USDA Zone 9-11, the Beehive Ginger displays a lovely display of flowers from July through late November.

Grown in pots, this plant still needs plenty of water, and should be able to tolerate temperatures at least as low as 30s F for a short amount of time, if given sufficient protection from harsh wind and cold. Watering should be done consistently and preferably with plain water, so as to not damage the soil's pH levels. For added protection against chilly climates, top the soil with a layer of mulch to help hold in the moisture and add an extra layer of insulation. Be sure to fertilize the Beehive Ginger regularly to ensure healthy growth.

Zinnia sp.

The zinnia is a bushy annual flower native to Mexico. It grows in any type of soil, though it prefers well-drained, sandy loam, and it is fairly drought tolerant once established.

Zinnias come in many colors and sizes, making this a great choice for adding a splash of color in your garden. Low-growing varieties only a foot tall and wide can be used as a groundcover. Higher growing varieties can reach up to five feet and make a great backdrop for other flowering plants. The flowers, however, remain small, ranging from one and a half to three inches across.

Most zinnias love full sun, although some of the larger varieties such as Zinnia angustifolia will tolerate some shade. They should be watered regularly, with an inch of water every week in hot weather, and every two to three weeks in cooler conditions. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) will encourage more blooms, but is optional.

Zinnias come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender, purple, red, crimson, and yellow or orange. The colors may be solid or variegated. Zinnias are attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, so this is a great way to attract them to your garden.

To grow Zinnia sp. in cold regions, select varieties that can tolerate colder temperatures. Choose a variety that is hardy to USDA Zone 9-11. Plant in a pot that can be moved indoors in winter and set outdoors in spring. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. Make sure the pot has ample drainage holes to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. Place the pot in a sunny spot and provide plenty of airflow to prevent fungal diseases. Deadheads the flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.

Ziziphus mucronata, Zizyphus adelensis, Zizyphus mitis

Ziziphus mucronata, also known as Buffalo thorn, is a drought resistant shrub or a small tree that is well-suited for gardens in warm, dry climates. Buffalo thorn is characterized by its crooked trunk, drooping branches, and glossy, drooping leaves with three conspicuous veins at the base. The branches are covered in spines, one curved and one straight. The shrub produces inconspicuous yellowish flowers in clusters, which produce a large amount of nectar that attracts many insects, particularly bees. The round, russet-colored fruits contain a dry, meal-like pulp and are eaten by many birds and wild animals.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil, but it can also be grown in containers. It ca be grown in ground in USDA Zone 9-11. While it is not particularly cold hardy, mature plants can withstand temperatures as low as the low 30s Fahrenheit for short periods of time. To protect container plants in cold regions, it is recommended to bring them indoors during the winter to prevent frost damage.

Buffalo thorn should be watered moderately and not overwatered, as this can cause root rot. The leaves should be sprayed with water to keep them looking healthy. Pruning back crisscrossing limbs and any dead wood can encourage healthy new growth. In addition to being an attractive garden plant, this shrub is also known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Bark, leaves, and roots of Buffalo thorn, as well as decoctions made from these parts, have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as skin infections, chest problems, and various pains, including toothaches. The seeds were ground and used as a coffee substitute.