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Index > Garden Blog

Date:

Three colors of flowers
for 4th of July

Blue, Red and White flowers for 4th of July

Q: Our anniversary is on the 4th of July. Do you have anything that might be a good gift? Maybe something flowering that has red, white and blue flowers... I know that is a lot to ask but maybe you have an idea?

A: We appreciate your intriguing question and extend our heartfelt congratulations on your approaching anniversary. Numerous tropical plants lend themselves beautifully to a captivating blend of red, blue, and white hues. Here are our top recommendations for the most delightful combination:

White: Jasmine sambac fragrant bush (var. Arabian Nights is our favorite, it's a free-bloomer and easy to grow)

Blue: Clitoria Vine, it is fast growing controllable vine, everbloomer. There is also a White variety of Clitoria, you can plant them together!

Red: Gloxinia, a smaller perennial that perfectly fits into this combination of three.

More flowers for white-blue-red colors:

White: Gardenias, Jasmines, Almond Bush, Brunfelsia, Clerodendrum Bridal Veil, fragrant Cashmere Bouquet, White Brazilian Plume Flower, Montanoa - Tree Chrysanthemum

Blue: Blue Sage Lead Flower, Blue Butterfly Clerodendrum, Weeping Blue Ginger, Duranta, Thunbergia erecta - Kings Mantle, and its white variety Alba, Blue Sky vine

Red: Cat Tail Acalypha, Dwarf Poinciana, Red Bottlebrush, Pavonia multiflora - Brazilian Candles (it's actually red-and-blue), Red Button Ginger - French Kiss, Brazilian plume, Firespike , Scarlet Flame Passion Flower, Quisqualis (has white and red flowers on the same plant).

Quisqualis Indica - Rangoon Creeper

Quisqualis Indica - Rangoon Creeper. Spectacular bloom, flowers change color from white to pink to red. Sweet fragrance. Very fast growing, perfect for covering a fence or pagoda.

Date:

NEW VIDEO:
ABC7 Fort Myers News:
Butterfly plants at Top Tropicals

Link to YouTube Video

Butterfly plants... what can be more romantic and sweet in your garden!
Watch the news segment by Rachel Anderson for ABC-7: Butterfly plants at Top Tropicals.

"...Spring has sprung, and if you’re looking to spruce up your garden, Top Tropicals in Fort Myers has you covered! They have hundreds of exotic plants, fruit trees, fragrant flowers and plants that will attract butterflies to your garden!
If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift, plants are gifts that keep on giving!.."

Top

In the photo: Butterfly plants display in Top Tropicals office. Come and see our large selection of butterfly attractors in the nursery!

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Lonicera japonica Purpurea - Japanese Honeysuckle flowers

In the photo: Lonicera japonica - Japanese Honeysuckle - a garden favorite, hardy, fast growing vine. Jasmine-sweet scented flowers attract butterflies, and hummingbirds, and berries attract birds!

White butterfly on Russelia flower

Date:

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Landscaped garden with companion planting

Q: What is companion planting?

A: Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different crops or types of plants together in a way that benefits all plants. This practice has been used for centuries, and it can be especially useful in tropical gardens where there is a diversity of plant life: trees, shrubs, vines and climbers, ground covers, fruit and edibles, and different flowering ornamentals. It is a great way to improve the health and yield of fruit tree crops while reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. By choosing the right companion plants and planning your garden layout carefully, you can create a vibrant and diverse ecosystem that will benefit both your plants and the environment.

Companion planting involves:

Planting different crops together to repel insects: adding such plants as Lemon grass, Patchouli leaf, or Moujean Tea near your vegetables can deter aphids and other pests.

Attracting pollinators - Butterfly plants. Many tropical crops, such as passion fruit, papaya, mango, and avocado, rely on pollinators to produce fruit. Companion planting can help to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.

Providing nutrients to the soil, adding mulch and low growing plants (ground covers) to preserve moisture.

Planting a variety of different types of plants together in order to create a more resilient ecosystem that is less susceptible to pests and diseases.

To get started, plan your garden layout and choose companion plants with similar water and light requirements.
For example, plant in the same group lush foliage plants, gingers, and flowering brunfelsias in shady areas; plant jasmines and gardenias in full sun and very well-drained spots.
Rotate annual crops regularly and experiment with combinations to find what works best. By doing this, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both your plants and the environment, reducing the need for harmful chemicals.

Landscaped front yard with companion planting

Buddah and flowers

Date:

Gift Plants

Jasmine Sambac Maid of Orleans

In the photo: fragrant Jasmine Sambac Maid of Orleans

How to make the best gift plant?

1. Consider her/his interests and environment: Think about the recipient's favorite colors, preferred growing conditions (e.g. sunlight, temperature), and any specific plants they already have and like.

2. Choose an easy plant, especially when giving it to inexperienced gardener. Desert roses, Plumerias, Indoor plants are great for both beginners and experts.

3. Something to enjoy right away: Select an established plant with developed roots and foliage. Grafted fruit trees will produce soon, and aroma of a spice tree can be appreciated without waiting for it to grow bigger. House plants such as Philodendrons with ornamental foliage will brighten the room.

4. Presentation matters: Wrap the plant in decorative paper or a gift bag, and consider adding a bow or tag for a personal touch.

5. Add a personal touch: Consider pairing the plant with a personalized message or a small item such as a watering can, plant food, or a pretty planter. Your thoughtfulness will make the gift even more special.

Some gift plant ideas: Jasmines - Desert Roses - Gingers - Mango - Avocado - Spice plants - Indoor plants - easy maintenance plants - Plants of Love: Aphrodisiacs.

Annona Tree Sugar Apple with fruit on it

In the photo: Annonas are one of the most popular tropical fruit trees, fast fruiting, suitable for small gardens and container culture

Date:

Planting in August

Top Tropicals Garden Calendar

Philly's garden calendar

August is the hottest month in most places, and tropical/subtropical areas are not the exception. In Florida we have some hot August days in upper 90's. Is it still OK to plant during hot weather? Yes, and here are some guidelines for you:

1. Hot metabolism.
Many tropical plants grow faster at high temperatures. Select heat-resistant species for August planting (below are just a few suggestions).

2. Water adequately.
Water thoroughly your newly planted tree. Water daily (lightly) with a hose for at least a week, don't rely on sprinklers. Then reduce watering to every other day and gradually switch to sprinkler system if you have it. Do not overwater: non-established plants don't like combination of heat+wet.

3. Mulch well.
Keep mulch 1" away from the trunk to avoid rot.

4. Shading.
Protect the young tree from hot sun with a shade cloth or a sheet if leaves get wilted, for 1-3 days, then remove it, let the plant adjust to bright light.

Trachelospermum jasminoides - Confederate Jasmine

Photo above: Trachelospermum jasminoides - Confederate Jasmine, the toughest jasmine that can take extreme heat and drought.

Date:

New video: the sweetest Night Blooming Jasmine

Grow your own food

Night blooming jasmine is a tropical garden favorite: the sweetest fragrance at night is intoxicating! It is one of the most famous and desirable fragrant plants. Flowers are pale yellow to white, open at night and stay extremely fragrant until sunrise. Aroma is sweet, pleasant and intoxicating. These flowers are widely used in India and other countries of South Asia for perfumery, medicinal applications and in religious ceremonies. Best location will be near driveway, window or entrance, where the magic fragrance can be appreciated.

Subscribe to our Channel:

Stay updated with TopTropicals Videos by subscribing to our channel at YouTube.com/TopTropicals and get our latest video news of what is fruiting and blooming!

Night Blooming Jasmine

Date:

Memorial Day Sale

"...How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes..."
- Maya Angelou -

Memorial Day

On May 30, people across the nation will make it a point to remember and honor the many sacrifices of military service members who have given their lives for our country. Celebrate this important day with us by planting a tree in memory of our heroes - and here is your 22% discount:

MEMORIAL22

Min order $150. Exp Monday, 5-30-22.

Royal Poinciana

In the photo: Royal Poinciana, one of the most impressive trees of Tropics and Subtropics.

Memorial Day Tree Specials

- with additional instant discount -


Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka, 3 gal pot 2853 Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka, 3 gal pot
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$72.95
  
Sale $67.95


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Tropicals

Terminalia catappa - Tropical Almond
2266 Terminalia catappa - Tropical Almond
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$57.95
  
Sale $52.95


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Flamboyant tree, Royal poinciana, Delonix regia
1176 Flamboyant tree, Royal poinciana, Delonix regia
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$52.95
  
Sale $47.95


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Ice Cream Bean tree, Inga feuille (edulis)
1114 Ice Cream Bean tree, Inga feuille (edulis)
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$52.95
  
Sale $47.95


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Tropicals

Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine
1046 Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$27.95
  
Sale $22.95


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Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty
2014 Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$32.95
  
Sale $22.95


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Cerbera x manghas hybrid - Enchanted Incense (Red 
Flower)
5293 Cerbera x manghas hybrid - Enchanted Incense (Red Flower)
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot

$52.95
  
Sale $47.95


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Miracle Fruit, Large Leaf variety, Synsepalum subcordatum
3146 Miracle Fruit, Large Leaf variety, Synsepalum subcordatum
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$69.95
  
Sale $59.95


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Senecio confusus - Mexican flame vine (Pseudogynoxus chenopodiodes)
1189 Senecio confusus - Mexican flame vine (Pseudogynoxus chenopodiodes)
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$37.95
  
Sale $32.95


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Tropicals

Odontonema cuspidatum - Firespike, Red
1373 Odontonema cuspidatum - Firespike, Red
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$32.95
  
Sale $27.95


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Ilex paraguariensis - Yerba 
Mate
5428 Ilex paraguariensis - Yerba Mate
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$37.95
  
Sale $27.95


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Medinilla cumingii (myriantha) - Malaysian 
Orchid
4095 Medinilla cumingii (myriantha) - Malaysian Orchid
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, very large plant

$42.95
  
Sale $32.95


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Date:

Top Story: The little mango tree that could

Mango Tree

By Ed Jones, the Mango Guy

"...Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and make it survive, you haven't done a thing. You are just talking..."
- Wangari Maathai -

This is the story of the little mango tree that could. From the beginning, it has been a fighter and has come through its latest battle with a few scars, but it is still going...
...On January 30, the unthinkable happened. Cold weather was coming. We had a low of under 25F on that Sunday morning...
...Then, on April 4, 2022 we had a very bad hail storm... Hail stones up to 3" fell for 20 minutes...
Learn more about what happened and see this mango tree today... What helped it to survive and also what will help it to grow back into a beautiful tree?

For information on how to shape your mango trees, see this video:

Annona - Golden Sugar Apple youtube video

Subscribe to our Channel:

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REAL DEALS:
More specials
with instant 30% OFF!

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No min order. Exp. 5-22-22.


Tithonia diversifolia - Sunflower tree1213 Tithonia diversifolia - Sunflower tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$32.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $23.07


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Jackfruit tree Super Thai (Artocarpus 
heterophyllus)
4334 Jackfruit tree Super Thai (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$72.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $51.06


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Persimmon tree Native American, Low chill, Diospyros virginiana
3500 Persimmon tree Native American, Low chill, Diospyros virginiana
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot

$37.95
  
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Bauhinia variegata purple - Orchid Tree
2728 Bauhinia variegata purple - Orchid Tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$42.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $30.07


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Vernonia fulta - Tropical Aster, Ironweed, 
Bitterleaf
5647 Vernonia fulta - Tropical Aster, Ironweed, Bitterleaf
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$32.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $23.07


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Monstera deliciosa (Philodendron pertusum) - Swiss cheese 
plant
2988 Monstera deliciosa (Philodendron pertusum) - Swiss cheese plant
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$37.95
  
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Pavonia multiflora - Brazilian 
Candles
2710 Pavonia multiflora - Brazilian Candles
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot

$32.95
  
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Jasminum mesnyi - Japanese Jasmine
1120 Jasminum mesnyi - Japanese Jasmine
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$37.95
  
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Alocasia Imperial Red
6785 Alocasia Imperial Red
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$37.95
  
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Justicia Fruit 
Cocktail
2100 Justicia Fruit Cocktail
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot

$17.95
  
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Kopsia arborea (pruniformis) - 
Pin-Mala
2509 Kopsia arborea (pruniformis) - Pin-Mala
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$22.95
  
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Alpinia x purpurata - Hot Pink Cone 
Ginger
6020 Alpinia x purpurata - Hot Pink Cone Ginger
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$37.95
  
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Date:

New Video:
Golden Sugar Apple - Pineapple Annona

Annona - Golden Sugar Apple youtube video

In this video we talk about a rare hybrid of Annona - Golden Sugar Apple. This rare Annona is a species originally brought to us from Costa Rica. We believe it to be a natural hybrid between A. muricata and A. glabra...
Fast growing, it forms a nice bushy specimen. It has a large, up to 1 lb fruit, green when unripe, turning dark yellow to orange on ripening. The pulp is golden to orange when ripe, with a strong Pineapple scent, and resembling Jackfruit in texture. Flavor is like the custard apple but with pineapple, papaya, apricot and melon overtones. Note that some people dislike the taste, others find it good... The tree tolerates flooding. It is also cold hardy! The plant would be very interesting for rare fruit collectors as it offers a large, exotic fruit of unusual color and taste, and appears to be much more hardy and water tolerant than similar looking but sensitive A. muricata, A. montana and Rollinia.

Annona - Golden Sugar Apple youtube video

Subscribe to our Channel:

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REAL DEAL:
This weekend specials - 30% OFF!

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Hibiscus acetosella - African Cranberry Hibiscus, red leaves5551 Hibiscus acetosella - African Cranberry Hibiscus, red leaves
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$37.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $26.57

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Clitoria ternatea - Blue Butterfly 
Pea
1318 Clitoria ternatea - Blue Butterfly Pea
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$37.95
  
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Thunbergia laurifolia - Blue Sky vine
1292 Thunbergia laurifolia - Blue Sky vine
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$32.95
  
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Capsicum annuum x chinense - Biquinho Pepper
6669 Capsicum annuum x chinense - Biquinho Pepper
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, fruiting size

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Cassia (Senna) bicapsularis - Butterfly Bush
1332 Cassia (Senna) bicapsularis - Butterfly Bush
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$37.95
  
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Pseuderanthemum seticalyx - Australian Nerve Flower, Shooting Star
6086 Pseuderanthemum seticalyx - Australian Nerve Flower, Shooting Star
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$37.95
  
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Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming 
jasmine
1046 Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$27.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $19.57


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Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty
2014 Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot, large plant

$27.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $19.57


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Perilla frutescens - Shiso, Shishi Herb, Beefsteak Plant
5646 Perilla frutescens - Shiso, Shishi Herb, Beefsteak Plant
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot

$17.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $12.57


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Pogostemon patchouli - 
Pucha-Pat
2097 Pogostemon patchouli - Pucha-Pat
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$27.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $19.57


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Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea var. Bicolor Fuerte
6632 Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea var. Bicolor Fuerte
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot, large plant

$32.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $23.07


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Aframomum melegueta - Grains of Paradise, African Cardamom
5912 Aframomum melegueta - Grains of Paradise, African Cardamom
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot, large plant

$42.95
  
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