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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: Royal Poinciana
The most beautiful tropical shade tree

Royal Poinciana video

"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)
One of the most conspicuous flowering trees seen in the tropics, Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) has bright fiery red/orange blossoms cover its mimosa type leaves which close up and go to sleep for the night. This large tree, which naturally assumes a spreading umbrella shape, is now found in gardens, parks, and planted along streets throughout the tropics. In late spring, as the new leaves appear, the tree is covered with masses of five-petalled red flowers resembling orchid flowers. Blooming is followed by long, flattened, leathery dark brown or black seed pods. Delonix requires full sun and adequate space to take its characteristic form....
Read Article about this tree.

Royal Poinciana tree

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Royal Poinciana tree flowers




The most spectacular
tropical flowering trees

See full list of flowering trees


Bombax ceiba - Red Kapok 
tree
3272 Bombax ceiba - Red Kapok tree
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$42.95
  
Sale $37.95


Buy Bombax ceiba - Red Kapok tree from Top Tropicals

Saraca indica - Ashoka 
Tree
1405 Saraca indica - Ashoka Tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$62.95


Buy Saraca indica - Ashoka Tree from Top Tropicals

Tabebuia caraiba - Yellow trumpet tree
1306 Tabebuia caraiba - Yellow trumpet tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$47.95


Buy Tabebuia caraiba - Yellow trumpet tree from Top Tropicals

Plumeria Witsanu Gold, grafted
5771 Plumeria Witsanu Gold, grafted
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot, grafted

$42.95


Buy Plumeria Witsanu Gold, grafted from Top Tropicals

Acacia farnesiana - Sweet 
Mimosa
3247 Acacia farnesiana - Sweet Mimosa
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$37.95


Buy Acacia farnesiana - Sweet Mimosa from Top Tropicals

Melia azedarach - Chinaberry 
tree
2978 Melia azedarach - Chinaberry tree
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$37.95


Buy Melia azedarach - Chinaberry tree from Top Tropicals

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus
2091 Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$42.95


Buy Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus from Top Tropicals

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


Buy Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka, 3 gal pot from Top Tropicals

Erythrina caffra - South African Coral tree, Caffra
3326 Erythrina caffra - South African Coral tree, Caffra
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, very large plant

$37.95
  
Sale $17.95


Buy Erythrina caffra - South African Coral tree, Caffra from Top Tropicals

Erythrina livingstoniana - Cry Baby 
Tree
6730 Erythrina livingstoniana - Cry Baby Tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$42.95
  
Sale $17.95


Buy Erythrina livingstoniana - Cry Baby Tree from Top Tropicals

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


Buy Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka, 3 gal pot from Top 
Tropicals

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

$57.95
  
Sale $52.95


Buy Terminalia catappa - Tropical Almond from Top Tropicals

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

$52.95
  
Sale $47.95


Buy Flamboyant tree, Royal poinciana, Delonix regia from Top 
Tropicals

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


Buy Ice Cream Bean tree, Inga feuille (edulis) from Top 
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


Buy Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine from Top Tropicals

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

$32.95
  
Sale $22.95


Buy Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty from Top Tropicals

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


Buy Cerbera x manghas hybrid - Enchanted Incense (Red Flower) from Top Tropicals

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


Buy Miracle Fruit, Large Leaf variety, Synsepalum subcordatum from Top Tropicals

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


Buy Senecio confusus - Mexican flame vine (Pseudogynoxus chenopodiodes) from Top 
Tropicals

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

$32.95
  
Sale $27.95


Buy Odontonema cuspidatum - Firespike, Red from Top Tropicals

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

$37.95
  
Sale $27.95


Buy Ilex paraguariensis - Yerba Mate from Top Tropicals

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


Buy Medinilla cumingii (myriantha) - Malaysian Orchid from Top Tropicals

Date:

Five Favorite Winter Bloomers

#5. Parrots Beak

Gmelina philippensis - Parrots Beak. An extraordinary fountain-like shrub with pendant branches, large long leaves and exotic flowers comprised of yellow blossoms which emerge at the end of a tube-like structure of overlapping bracts. The flower resembles parrot's beak!

#4. Royal Queens Wreath

Petrea - Royal Queens Wreath, Tropical Wisteria. Spectacular tall clusters of purple flowers similar to those of Wisteria come in racemes reaching over 1 foot long!

#3. Chinese Hat

Holmskioldia sanguinea - Bronze Chinese hat. Rare variety with orange-bronze flowers. Unique flowers are the main interest: each is a narrow tube backed by a broad, circular calyx, just like an oriental hat!

#2. Jacaranda

Jacaranda - all-time favorite winter flowering tree. Hypnotizing bluish-purple, trumpet-like flowers create the magical image of the tree...

#1. Royal Poinciana

Delonix regia - Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant. one of the most popular tropical trees covered with bright red orchid-like flowers from late winter through early summer. A must for any tropical garden, this tree however requires space since it spreads its branches 30-40 ft wide or more.

Date:

Coastal Plants. List of plants that do well in coastal areas

In the photo: Delonix regia - Royal poinciana, Flamboyant

Q: How can I get a list of plants that do well in coastal areas (i.e. next to sea)?

A: Many tropical plants live by the sea in natural habitat and don't mind ocean breeze. We have a large selection to pick from. The following groups of spectacular flowering trees will enjoy coastal environment:
Cordia trees
Plumerias
Orchid trees (Bauhinias)
Caesalpinias
Callistemons (Bottle brush trees)
Cassias
Many palm trees

See full list of salt-tolerant plants available at this time.

In the photo: Cordia sebestena - Scarlet Geiger tree

Date:

TopTropicals from Bird's Eye

Watch new video: Top Tropicals Garden Retreat Events

Join us every 1st Saturday of the month for an Open Air Market showcasing luscious tropicals, rare exotics, fruiting trees, fragrant perennials and much more!
San Carlos Park Music will be playing their hearts out and creating amazing music from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. beneath our lovely Royal Poinciana! More events will be posted soon to our Facebook Event page. Keep up with our updates!

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!

Date:

Plants like to snack!
How to feed Poinciana tree

(and other tropical flowering trees)

Q: We purchased a Royal Poinciana tree from TopTropicals not too long ago and we gradually gave it more sun until finally we were able to plant it in direct sunlight where it's been for a week or so. Rain has been sporadic lately so I'm giving it a little bit of water every day. It seems to be doing fine. I do have a question about whether the leaves are as green as they should be? I read online that I should fertilize it with gardenia / ixoria fertilizer in March, June, and October. I looked on homedepot.com but didn't really find anything that goes by that name. Would fertilizer help? Can you suggest a fertilizer?

A: Your Poinciana tree looks pretty healthy and happy, congratulations with a great job!
Traditional (old-school) fertilizer recommendations usually suggest feeding a plant 2-3 times a year with a slow-release fertilizer. And although a plant will benefit from any fertilizer application (extra food is always good), however, for the best results, faster growth, sooner and more profuse blooming, your should use complete plant nutrition products - liquid fertilizers (see why liquid fertilizers are better than dry).
Here is an example. Some people eat a big heavy meal once a day which we all know, is not very healthy. Other people eat balanced food more frequently but in smaller portions - this is always the best way to go.
From this point, plants prefer SNACKING - frequent feeding, but with less concentrated, mild and balanced nutrients.
For your beautiful Poinciana tree (and other flowering plants), we suggest the following nutrition program:

1) SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster - you may use this fertilizer as frequent as with every watering, it won't burn the roots, and will provide a complete nutrition for all plant needs throughout the year. You can continue fertilizing with Megaflor even during winter time. Sunshine Megaflor will help you to keep the plant healthy, vigorous, and resistant to stress and diseases. It turns leaves green and makes the plant strong so it will start flowering sooner for you.

2) Tropical Allure - Smart-Release Booster. Apply it once a month during hot season only (in Florida - from March to November).

Date:

TopTropicals.com

Scorpio - 10/23-11/21.
A WATER sign ruled by both Mars and Pluto.
Scorpio's plants are often found in remote places or on poor ground. They will likely have thorns, can be red in color, and grow under adversity. The good news is, most of these plants are nearly indestructible! This makes them desirable for every gardener.
The reproductive organs are ruled by Scorpio, so these are plants that balance the hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle, help with childbirth and pregnancy. Until this century, Scorpio was ruled by Mars, and the herbs associated with it had to do with the urogenital system and the colon. Many of the herbs related to Scorpio are cleansing and revitalizing. Now, astrologers assign Scorpio to Pluto, discovered in 1930 (Pluto is said by astrologers to be a higher octave of Mars). Physiologically, Scorpio involves the processes of catabolism and anabolism, the death and regeneration of body cells. Diseases of Scorpio are often involved with the slow buildup of toxic substances in the body (carcinogens, etc) or in the mind (anger, jealousy). Scorpio loves a spice with depth and complexity. Camphor Basil adds rich flavor to every dish it seasons, and its own aphrodisiac tendencies appeal to Scorpio's lusty nature.

Scorpio Zodiac lucky plants:
Ceiba, Baobab, Pistachio, Nutmeg, Thunbergia, Combretums, Dragon fruit, Medinilla, Camphor Basil, Oregano, Vanilla orchid, Hibiscus, Various cacti and succulents, Adenium, Honeysuckle, Peppers, Cordyline, Spider plant, Jasmine, Gooseberries, Wild indigo, Bougainvillea, Aloe vera, Raspberry , Palmetto, Horseradish tree, Camphor, Allspice and Bay Rum,Jujube, Sweet Mimosa, Agave, Milkweed, Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Pony Tail, Dwarf Poinciana, Bottlebrushes, Clusias, Crocosmia, Zig-Zag Cactus, Dracaena, Fire Bush, Hoyas, Jatropha , Kalanchoe, Sausage tree, Devils Backbone, Pereskia, Red Plumeria, Firecracker, Rattlebox, Rhoeo, Calendula, Geranium, Thistles, Mint , Sage, Catnip, Coriander, Sandalwood, Ginseng, Euphorbias, Acacias.

Date:

How to get shade quickly... and stay away from oaks

TopTropicals

Q: I just moved from Tennessee into a new house in Florida and there are no trees on the property, the yard is brutal hot. What can I plant so I have some shade real quick? I like Florida shady oaks, how long will they take to grow?

A: First of all, do not rush into oak solution. Oaks are beautiful shade trees, however they have at least 2 problems:
a) Oaks are slow growers and unless you are willing to wait some 20 years... you won't get that desirable shade that quickly.
b) We have hurricanes in Florida... sometimes. A hurricane can damage any tree, however with oaks it may be the worse case scenario - the branches of those giant trees are huge, hard and heavy and in unfortunate situation when you need to remove or trim a broken tree, it may cost you... a few thousand dollars.

These are solutions that are more economical and practical:

1) Selection. If you have room, get one of these most popular Florida shade trees: Royal Poinciana, Golden Shower, Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Red Kapok, Bottlebrush, and many others. See full list of fast growing shade trees. Or simply get a Mango Tree and have delicious fruit too! Many varieties of Mangos are very large and fast growing.

2) Do it right. Even if you are planting a smaller tree, 1-3 gal size, it may become a nice shade tree within 2-3 years and start providing your driveway with desirable shade. The keys for fast growth are -
a) Good soil. Dig as big hole as possible and fill it with good rich soil containing compost. See planting instructions PDF.
b) Water. Do not rely on sprinklers and rains. Water your tree daily for the first week, then at least twice a week for another month. After that, irrigation system will be enough.
c) Fertilizer. Put a few handfuls of fertilizer in a planting hole. Then fertilize once a month during warm season. Apply micro elements for even better results and faster growth.

3) Ask experts. Contact our office for advice. We will suggest the most suitable shade tree for your yard based on features of your property: location, soil, exposure, etc.

Check out fast growing shade trees