Keep soil moist - Plant Encyclopedia Results

The Rose is the most popular garden flower. Highly valued for its form, fragrance and endless variety of color. Tremendous progress has been made in raising new varieties by crossbreeding and selection. New types have arisen; the season of blooming has been prolonged to such an extent that many modern varieties (including climbers) bloom intermittently or in some instances continuously throughout the summer and autumn months. Only a severe frost puts an end to their blooming season. The species of wild Roses are classed under Rosa and a few hybrids that resemble wild kinds, but for garden purposes, the remaining types are grouped in various ways: according to their habits of growth; according to their ancestry; according to the manner in which they are grafted, budded or trained; and in a number of other ways. These groups are not always clear. They often overlap, but are generally convenient and practicable. It's important that the person interested in Roses be familiar with the different types of Roses even though he may not be able, at sight, to place any given Rose in a specific category. The basic of the Rose classes are: Hybrid Teas, Hybrid Perpetuals, Floribunda Roses, Polyanthas, Hybrid Sweetbriers, Miniature Roses, China Roses (Rosa chinensis semperflorens), French Roses (Rosa gallica), Damask Rose, Moss Rose, Shrub Roses, Rugosa Roses, etc. Roses need special care and diligence in the spring and early summer in fighting pests. The most important thing is having deep and rich soil. By digging deeply, adding manure and good loamy soil, Roses of high standard may be grown in any sunny garden. Whether the soil is light or heavy, deep digging is necessary. This consists of breaking up the subsoil or underlayer and replacing the top layer. Light sandy soil needs an addition of fibrous rooted turf that has been stacked for a year or two, with layers of farmyard manure between. Compost is also good. Generous amounts of rotted cow or horse manure is recommended. See Roses Page

This species is distributed from southeastern Viet Nam to the south of high central Viet Nam and extends to the eastern parts of Cambodia. Though rather common in southeastern Viet Nam, this species has only recently been described. The species is listed as Vulnerable. Species Authority: Mood and Theilade. In Pham (2003) this species is misidentified as Zingiber acuminatum.

The foliage is stunning. Its really a show stopper in the yard. Grows in shady places in evergreen to semi-evergreen forest undergrowth. Usually found as single plants, but rarely forming large clumps.

Urospatha friedrichsthalii is a large shrub, indicating as high as 5 to 10 feet tall with lush, green foliage. It is native to Central America and is grown in USDA Zone 9-11. Urospatha friedrichsthalii adapts best to wetter soils and often is grown in full sun or semi-shade. It is naturally found growing in a bog or aquatic environment and it is best to keep the soil moist to mimic these conditions when growing this species.

When growing Urospatha friedrichsthalii in a pot, especially in cold regions, it is important to bring the shrub indoors before it starts to freeze, or to provide a winter shelter with mulch to protect the roots from the cold temperatures. Planting in a moist, well-draining soil with partial shade will help to manage the risk of damaging cold exposure. Additionally, if kept in a pot, supplemental feeding will be necessary. For best results, opt for an organic liquid fertilizer applied roughly every month. Re-potting is also recommended every other year, which will provide a fresh soil with more nutrients to support the plant.

When bringing Urospatha friedrichsthalii indoors, it is important to provide indirect, bright light - whether through a large window or artificial. Additionally, it is important to keep the humidity high to recreate the conditions from its natural environment. To do so, mist the leaves regularly and provide humidity trays with stones, with water just reaching the surface to create steam. Urospatha friedrichsthalii is an eye-catching houseplant and by keeping it healthy, it will provide a burst of captivating colors for years to come.

Globba schomburgkii (Dancing Girl Ginger) is a small plant, growing 2 to 5 feet tall, which is native to South East Asia. It is an ornamental plant that is grown for its foliage, producing mid-green, lance-shaped leaves, with a heart-shaped base and slightly hairy underneath. Its flowers are yellow-orange and strikingly beautiful, and it will also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

The Dancing Girl Ginger can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11, preferring locations with shade or semi-shade. When active, it should be provided with plenty of water; but when dormant in the winter, restrict its watering to once a week. It should be repotted and divided when the growth period begins. Propagation of the Ginger is done by either division in the spring or by seed.

Those who live in cold climates, who would like to grow the Gingers in pots will need to pay special care to the amount of water that it gets and to bring it indoors during the winter, or alternatively, to mulch heavily around it and insulate the roots with extra soil. Also, the pot should have plenty of drainage and be placed in a location with partial shade. If the pot is too small, it should be repotted when the growth period starts, making sure to water it abundantly during this period.

Overall, the Dancing Girl Ginger is a great addition to any garden, with its striking foliage, flowers, and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. With proper care, it will thrive and reward your efforts with its beauty.

The Spikemosses are creeping or ascendant plants with simple, scale-like leaves on branching stems from which roots also arise. They can be used for edging greenhouse benches, covering pillars, planting in hanging baskets and decorating terrariums.

Curcuma sp. or Turmeric is an ornamental plant native to Southeast Asia, Thailand. It can grow to a height of 2-5 feet and prefers to be placed in bright locations such as a semi-shady position. The plant produces beautiful flowers that come in shades of pink, blue, lavender, purple, red, crimson, vinous, yellow, and orange. It is also an ethnomedical plant, a spice or herb. Studies have shown that turmeric may be useful in the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.

This plant produces an excellent cut flower last up to about 14 days.

When it comes to growing Curcuma sp., it is important to keep the soil moist and water the plant regularly. It can thrive in USDA zones 8-11. For those living in areas with colder temperatures, it is best to grow Curcuma sp. in pots and bring them indoors during the cold season. To increase the speed of growth, you can also fertilize the plant in the spring and summer with a 10-10-10 fertilizer once a month.

Overall, Curcuma sp. is an easy to care for plant and its beauty makes it a great addition to any garden. With a little bit of effort and care, you can have a healthy and blossoming Siam Tulip in your home or garden.

The rhizome is the portion of the plant used medicinally; it is usually boiled, cleaned, and dried, yielding a yellow powder. Dried Curcuma longa is the source of the spice turmeric, the ingredient that gives curry powder its characteristic yellow color. Turmeric is used extensively in foods for both its flavor and color. Turmeric has a long tradition of use in the Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine.

Despite its name, Blue Ginger is not a true ginger but a member of the Commelinaceae family, closely related to the well-known houseplant Tradescantia. This clump-forming perennial enchants with its deep sapphire-blue blooms - a rare and striking color for the tropics. Growing 2-5 feet tall, it features dark green stems with leopard-like spots at the leaf axils and shiny, horizontally held foliage.

Native to Brazil and Peru, Blue Ginger thrives in semi-shade or partial shade with moist, well-draining soil, making it an ideal addition to shade gardens, patios, or indoor collections. Its vibrant blue, lavender, or purple flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, creating a lively display.

In warm climates (USDA Zones 10-12), it remains evergreen and can tolerate brief dips into the low 30s. In cooler regions, it grows beautifully in pots and can be overwintered indoors in a cool, bright location. For best results, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, maintain good air circulation, and fertilize moderately during the growing season.

Blue Ginger's exotic flowers, unique foliage, and fascinating background make it a must-have for any tropical-themed space.

The Nashia inaguensis, also known as Moujean Tea, Bahamas Berry, or Pineapple Verbena, boasts delightfully fragrant leaves. This evergreen shrub hails from the island of Inagua in the Bahamas and is often cultivated as a bonsai due to its small size. During summer, it produces tiny white flowers in clusters that are followed by reddish orange berries. It thrives in full sun, warm temperatures, and high humidity, and requires consistent moisture to prevent drying out. Its fragrant leaves can be brewed into a tea that offers a citrusy, vanilla-like, or pineapple-like flavor and aroma.

This plant is an excellent choice for a small topiary or bonsai and makes a stunning centerpiece in Southern gardens. The plant has a low-growing habit of 2 feet, but can grow up to 5 feet when mature. It responds well to pruning and can be shaped and sized according to your preference. If planted along a walkway, the leaves can be lightly brushed to emit their enchanting scent with each passing.

Farfugium japonicum grows in a loose clump about 2 ft (0.6 m) tall and wide spreading by rhizomes. Daisy-like yellow flowers, 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) across, are borne in loose clusters.

Some cultivars have shiny green leaves variegated with irregular creamy white or yellow markings.

Leopard Plant has been known under many names, including Ligularia tussilaginea, L. kaempferi, L. japonica, Senecio kaempferi, Tussilago japonicum, and Farfugium grande.

Attractive in the garden and as an exotic and long lasting cut flower.