A: When you start your garden from scratch, you need to plant your trees first. It's a perfect timing!
Getting tropical flowering trees now is really important for making your garden strong and beautiful. Trees are like the bones of your garden, giving it shape and shade. If you plant them in spring, they have enough time to grow strong roots before winter. This helps them survive better.
Trees also give shade to other plants so they can grow well too. It's like building a house - you need to start with the frame before adding other parts. So, it's a good idea to get those trees now before moving on to shrubs and vines.
Remember to provide regular fertilizing program which is the most important during season of active growth. The more food your tree gets, the stronger and faster it grows! For flowering trees, we recommend Sunshine Boosters Megaflor formula.

Photo above: Royal poinciana, Flamboyant tree - Delonix regia. "The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)

A: Indeed, Ixora odorata is quite special. It's a must-have for any tropical plant enthusiast, often likened to esteemed fragrance collectibles like Ylang Ylang or the Joy Perfume Tree. While it shares the genus with the common Southern landscape plant, Ixora, cultivating Ixora odorata requires some special attention. We wouldn't recommend using this rare exotic as a hedge; it's best suited as a centerpiece or specimen in your garden. The effort is certainly rewarded, as the sweet fragrance of its flowers is truly remarkable, reminiscent of Jasmines. Here are some tips for growing Ixora odorata:

1. Temperature. Ixora odorata is sensitive to cold and can't withstand even light frost. Protect it by growing it in a container that can easily be brought indoors during cold weather.
2. Soil. Like all ixoras, Ixora odorata prefers acidic soil. This is easily achieved since it's typically grown in a pot. High-quality potting soil, such as Sunshine Abundance, tends to have a lower pH (acidic), has low pH (acidic).
3. Light. Unlike most ixoras, Ixora odorata prefers shade to filtered sunlight, unlike most ixoras that are full sun plants.
4. Water. Ixora odorata prefers drier conditions during winter, so reduce watering in the winter months. In summer, regular watering is necessary, as it won't tolerate drying out.
5. Insect control. Ixora odorata can be susceptible to insects during winter. Keep an eye out for mealybugs during winter. Monitor the leaves, especially underneath.
5. Prune after flowering.
6. Fertilizer. Feed Ixora odorata with Sunshine Boosters Megaflor for most profule flowering and healthy waxy leaves.

Ixora odorata blooms in winter, making it a delightful addition to your home during the colder months. What can be better having this perfume factory! It's a true gem that's worth the extra care and attention - it deserves to be pampered!

We bring our Ixora odorata indoors during winter. It is happy to sit in a large bathtub with a skylight above it. It flowers all winter long, filling the air with light perfume not only in the bathroom and bedroom, but in the whole house. And of course, cats love it too!

A: In the shady corners of the tropical garden, the Eranthemum pulchellum, affectionately known as Blue Sage or Lead Flower, emerges as a vibrant winter surprise. Its petals boast a bright gentian blue hue, a hue so unusual in the tropics that it's as if the plant got a memo about standing out in a sea of green.

This botanical maverick flaunts its blossoms when the rest of the garden is caught napping, making it the prima donna of the winter bloomers. With a penchant for the shadows, the Blue Sage is the introvert of the garden, thriving in the cool embrace of shade. So, if your garden needs a touch of cool and a dash of mystery, invite the Blue Sage - the shade-loving sensation that's always fashionably late to the blooming party.

Blue Sage is an easygoing champ in your garden. You can trim it how you like, and guess what? The more you trim it, the bushier it becomes. This plant doesn't mind shade, and when winter hits, it shows off its bright flowers, making your garden extra pretty without any fuss. So, if you're all about simple gardening joy, the Blue Sage is your go-to pal that turns your garden into a happy, colorful spot.

A: If you are thinking of getting a tropical plant to brighten up your winter, but worried it might get too cold during delivery, no worries! We have a simple solution for you - the Heat Pack.

The Heat Pack, or Shipping Warmer, ensures that your plants stay warm and safe during their journey from Top Tropicals to your home. It keeps a cozy temperature for up to 72-96 hours (depending on outside temperature), making it a must-have if the weather drops below 40F in your area.

For larger orders, you might need 2-3 packs, and if you're ordering big 3-7 gallon plants, especially the extra-sensitive ones, consider using one pack per plant. Reach out to us for more details about specific plant species.

Hold locations. Also note that the carriers we use - FedEx and UPS - keep their boxes in temperature controlled rooms during transportation (unless it's a ground service). To ensure the box is not sitting on your cold porch all day, you may use temperature controlled FedEx Hold locations at FedEx stores, Walgreens, many Dollar General Stores and others. See more information on Hold locations.

Don't let the cold weather spoil the excitement of getting your new plants - grab a Heat Pack and keep them snug!

A: Growing your own pineapple is pure bliss. Watching the transformation from a small crown into a luscious fruit is immensely rewarding. Every tropical gardener should experience the joy of growing this tropical gem and relishing its sun-kissed sweetness straight from the garden. Pineapples are easy to grow and can fruit in containers too, so if you live in a colder climate, no problem! They will take very little space in your greenhouse or sunroom. Just remember to feed your pineapple plants with Sunshine Boosters so they will feed you the biggest and the sweetest fruit! Sunshine Boosters are natural, organic-amino-acid based plant nutrients that are perfect for any edibles.
There are several varieties of pineapples in commercial cultivation. Below are the most interesting cultivars. Discover the pineapple paradise!

Elite Gold: Bursting with tropical flavor and vibrant gold flesh, Elite Gold dazzles with its unique taste and ornamental beauty.

Florida Special: Perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity, this variety thrives in warmer climates, gifting you a taste of Florida's sunshine.

Sugar Loaf: Irresistibly sweet with a hint of citrus, Sugar Loaf's compact size makes it an ideal choice for container gardening.

White Jade (Spineless Sweet): Exceptionally sweet and without spines, White Jade pampers you with a delectable, thorn-free harvest.

Lava Burst (Burgundy Variegated Rainbow): This visually stunning ornamental pineapple variety boasts striking burgundy and green leaves, resembling a rainbow of colors. Its fruit edible but small; its exceptional beauty adds a touch of exotic elegance to any garden or indoor space. Lava Burst is a delightful conversation starter and a captivating addition to your plant collection, making it a favorite among pineapple enthusiasts for its aesthetic appeal.

Embrace the sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of savoring homegrown, mouthwatering pineapples - nature's sweetest gift!

Read more about Pineapples: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit.