HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS, GROUNDCOVERS, & SMALL SHRUBS

Trailing Dwarf Tibouchina, Spanish shawl. Beautiful dense ever-blooming ground cover with pink flowers. Very fast growing and spreading. Can be grown in hanging baskets as well. Also great in hanging baskets.

Dorstenia bahiensis is an interesting plant with strange looking receptacles. At maturity, seeds shoot ballistically from the mature flower/fruit heads, and they germinate readily whenever the land on soil or other moist substrate.
A quirky, shade-loving plant with glossy leaves and button-like flower discs. When ripe, those button heads pop their seeds like tiny popcorn, launching them across the yard. Compact at just 6-12 inches, it makes a playful groundcover or a fun conversation piece in a pot.

Showy, variegated formThe Lucky Bamboo Plant which is an extremely popular houseplant and candidate for some aquariums, terrariums, and paluadariums. It is not actually closely related to bamboo grass, although its common name comes from its resemblance to bamboo grass. While not a true aquatic plant, the Lucky Bamboo Plant is extraordinarily popular and can often be applied to aquarium, terrarium, and paludarium setups! It should be positioned upright with its leaves clearly out of the water. There isn't really a well known reason for how this common name came about, although Dracaena sanderiana grows easily in water and the canes of the plant have a similar appearance to real bamboo stalks, it has no true connection with Japanese culture.

One of the most spectacular and easiest orchids to grow, Orange Reed Ground Orchid produces brilliant clusters of orange and gold flowers atop upright reed-like stems. Unlike many orchids, it grows happily in the ground, thrives in heat and humidity, and can bloom for much of the year. The fiery flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding movement and color to the garden.
Also known as the Crucifix Orchid because of the tiny cross-shaped structure in the flower, this orchid naturally produces roots along its stems, making it easy to propagate and form large, colorful clumps over time. A cheerful, low-maintenance plant that brings the warmth and energy of a tropical sunrise to your garden.
Epidendrum is a diverse neotropical genus that has flowers characterized by a frilly or fringed lip. This feature is occasionally diagnostic to distinguish between species. These orchids are widely cultivated and may be hybridized with Sophronitis, another South American genus. The flowers are usually small and delicately colored, and borne on a dense inflorescence. Many species have a fragrance.

This crazy little cactus makes a wonderful hanging basket specimen and quite the conversation piece with its twisted, arching limbs. A night bloom epiphytic cactus with curly twisting leaves, Epiphyllum curly locks is an example of a cactus that uses its stems to capture more moisture and light. The plant has curly, curved stems which are the result of a mutation of a plant called Epiphyllum guatemalense. The name for this mutated cactus is Epiphyllum monstrosa - a jungle cactus native to Guatemala and will attach itself to a tree and live off of the composting debris that collects in the crook of the tree. Commonly called Orchid Cactus due to the blooms resembling orchid blossoms. The flowers are fragrant and usually open at night. Oval, bright pink seedy fruits form once blooms are pollinated. These fruits are juicy and edible. The plant is also self-pollinating and fruits can form even without the intervention of insects and mammals.
Epiphyllum are sensitive to being moved so choosing spot in bright, indirect light would work best. Epiphyllum will also only bloom when root bound, so take this into consideration when repotting.

Large-Fruiting Night-Blooming Climbing Orchid Cactus. A fast-growing epiphytic cactus with long, flat, cascading segments that give it a lush, tropical look even before it blooms. This seed-grown type is especially valued for its potential to produce large, edible fruit, making it more than just an ornamental plant.
The real highlight comes at night - when mature, it produces huge, fragrant white flowers that open after sunset and last just one night. The blooms are dramatic and elegant, often reaching impressive size, with a soft glow that almost looks unreal in the dark.
After flowering, the plant can set smooth, elongated fruit with mild, slightly sweet flesh. While flavor can vary from seed-grown plants, some turn out to be surprisingly good and larger than typical epiphyllum fruit.
Easy to grow and rewarding:
- Thrives in bright shade or filtered sun
- Prefers well-drained soil and regular watering
- Ideal for hanging baskets or containers where stems can cascade naturally
A unique addition to your garden - combining striking night blooms with the bonus of edible fruit.
Other names: E. strictum, E. stenopetalum, E. phyllanthus, Hookers Orchid Cactus

Belle de Nuit, Lady of the Night, Queen of the Night, Night blooming Cereus - powerfully fragrant at night! This special cactus grows in tropical rainforests and has large wide meaty leaves. The flower is huge, white, and nocturnal. Blooms at night hours, hence the name. One of the most exotic indoor plants.

If you are looking for something truly different, this is it: Eucrosia bicolor is a rare Peruvian bulb that turns heads instantly when in bloom. And it blooms in shade! What starts as a simple, quiet bulb suddenly transforms into a striking display of bright red flowers with long, fine, golden stamens that burst outward like a perfectly frozen firework.
This is the kind of plant people stop and ask about.
Even between blooms, it stays attractive with soft, broad, lush leaves similar to lily of the valley, giving it a refined, tropical look in your collection.
Unlike typical bulbs, it follows a natural rhythm - active growth followed by a dry rest period. Once you understand this cycle, it becomes easy to grow and reliably rewarding.
Perfect for containers, collector gardens, and anyone who wants something rare, unusual, and memorable.
Give it warmth, bright light, and a proper dry rest - and it will put on a show that few plants can match.

A fascinating terrestrial orchid that surprises many gardeners with how easy it is to grow, Chinese Crown Orchid produces tall, elegant spikes of unusual greenish-yellow to brownish miniature flowers with a striking purple lip, giving each bloom a delicate, exotic look. Unlike many orchids that cling to trees, this one grows in the ground from underground bulbs, forming attractive clumps of grassy foliage.
Native to Asia and now naturalized in parts of Florida, Eulophia graminea thrives in warm climates and adapts well to containers or garden beds. Flower spikes can rise 2-4 ft above the foliage in summer, creating a graceful display that looks almost wild and tropical at the same time. It enjoys bright light to partial shade and regular watering, and once established it proves surprisingly tough and easygoing.
An unusual orchid for collectors and tropical gardeners alike - perfect for adding something unexpected to your garden or patio collection.
Keep in a dry side; plant in orchid mix. Do not overeater. Bright light.

This is a shade loving Euphorbia. Grows to about 28" tall. It is shaped like a miniature palm tree. The leaves are covered with a milky white bloom that adds to the interest. It is very easy to grow the plant.
Grown often as a houseplant that is very ornamental and easy to grow even for beginners. Unlike many succulents, E. leuconeura is less susceptible to overwatering issues; it doesn't mind dry air and is very shade tolerant.
Euphorbia leuconeura is endemic to Madagascar. It is threatened by habitat loss. The natural habitat is rocky areas in the dark forests.

Gynura crepidioides commonly known as Okinawa Spinach, it is native to Indonesia. Okinawa Spinach is commercially grown in China as a green, it is not a true spinach. Both the stems and the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The top of the leaves are dark green and the undersides are purple. Okinawa Spinach has an unique flavor with a faint hint of pine, and will add a beautiful aesthetic element to cuisine. This green is also known as cholesterol spinach, and there are many claims that it lowers can cholesterol. This plant will thrive in pretty much any type of soil from clay to silt to sandy soils. It does well in any type of light other than full shade, but will grow best in full sun to partial shade. Okinawa Spinach is not a heavy feeder, and is relatively pest-free. It is good to cut back flowering branches to promote new shoot growth, because the shoots and leaves are what are harvested. Okinawan spinach is very adaptable to container gardening and even grows well on a windowsill. The younger leaves will have a much better flavor than the older leaves. The leaves and young shoot tips can be steamed, used in stir fry, tempura, stews, and soups. Just add them at the very end.
See article about this plant: Longevity Spinach Super-food Recipes.
Watch Video about this plant.

Alakaline Herb, Sambung Nyawa, Longevity Spinach. The plant is well known in South East Asia, with folklore uses in Thailand, Indonesia and China, and leaves of the plant are eaten as a vegetable. This is a very low maintenance, fast growing herb/vegetable that can be grown indoor and outdoor. The leaves are picked for salads, soups, or sauteed them to make a dish. They are also be made as tea and extract. The plant is often referred to as Sambung Nyawa which means Continuation of Life. The purpose of this plant is to incorporate it into your diet for a healthy life, as many generations of African and Asians have done traditionally.
See article about this plant: Longevity Spinach Super-food Recipes.
Watch Video about this plant.

Lobster Claw, Parrot's beak. One of the most recognized and widely grown species, and one of the most beautiful. The inflorescence it produces is one of the most colorful you will ever encounter. The flowers last a long time and make an excellent cut flower. It is an easy grower in tropical areas but some room is required because the stalks can reach 7 feet in height. It can withstand temperatures in the high 20s. Can be grown in large pots

Bizarreness! The Ribbon Bush is a terrific, leaf-less plant from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific with long, flattened stems resembling tapeworms - hence its nickname "Tapeworm Plant". It's hard to capture the unusual beauty of this plant in pictures. This is an awesome, offbeat plant that will get people asking: "What the heck is that??". This plant needs very little care, makes a great houseplant, and is very hard to find.

Wax Hearts, Sweetheart Hoya, Valentine Hoya, Heart leaf. Hoya kerrii - Sweetheart Plant - makes an ideal houseplant. It has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unusual and quirky "heart" shape leaves appeal to anyone looking for that special novelty gift for their plant enthusiast friend.

Variety with variegated leaves with neon-green center variegation of the leaf.
Wax Hearts, Sweetheart Hoya, Valentine Hoya, Heart leaf. Hoya kerrii - Sweetheart Plant - makes an ideal houseplant. It has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unusual and quirky "heart" shape leaves appeal to anyone looking for that special novelty gift for their plant enthusiast friend.

Variety with variegated leaves with white outline border or large white spots.
Wax Hearts, Sweetheart Hoya, Valentine Hoya, Heart leaf. Hoya kerrii - Sweetheart Plant - makes an ideal houseplant. It has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unusual and quirky "heart" shape leaves appeal to anyone looking for that special novelty gift for their plant enthusiast friend.

Impatiens repens - Balsam Busy Lizzie, is the cheerful little cousin of the well-known Impatiens! What sets this one apart? Its showy yellow flowers, very small leaves, and compact, dwarf growth habit make it perfect for hanging baskets or as a delightful houseplant. If you're a fan of Impatiens, you'll love how this unique species brightens up any space with its charming, sunny blooms. It's small, it's bold, and it's a must-have for plant lovers!

A remarkable Morning Glory native to arid regions of Argentina. Like other caudiciform species, it has swollen stems containing water-storage tissue, and can survive extended periods of drought. Give it a well-drained soil, keep it moist and keep it out of the full sun. The caudex will grow to more than 2 ft, the vines reach for more than 12 ft. The bell-shaped flowers are pink. The plant is very showy; it can be kept in a pot as a bonsai and is easy to control as a container specimen, just needs a little trellis, otr can be pruned. Fast growing.
See picture of plants with caudex

Tricolor variegated Bloodleaf hybrid, a great plant for both sun or shade. The variegated pink/crimson, green and white colored leaves compliment other plants. It needs to be pinched back often to keep from getting leggy. Tough, hardy and colorful, these showy plants with their brilliant leaves and soft stems can be a great addition to a planting. Brightest colors are generally obtained in stronger light. It makes a wonderful houseplant and a cute present.

Bloodleaf. Evergreen small perennial, up to 3 feet tall. Bright mauve, old fashioned puckered foliage popular among indoor gardeners. Great accent plant in warm climate gardens. Tolerates shade and can be grown as a perfect house plant.

Crimson Star Ixora, very rare, from Thailand. Triple bright red flowers. The plant is very slow growing. Perfect container plant.
Learn more about ixora plants: Ixora - the Star of Southern Landscapes.

Finally, an Ixora that doesn't demand full sun! Ixora Shady Lady is a unique tropical hybrid prized for its ability to bloom beautifully in light to moderate shade, where most other Ixoras struggle to flower. Dense clusters of mildly fragrant, nearly pure white, star-shaped blooms cover the plant for much of the year, creating a bright, elegant display in shaded gardens, patios, and entryways.
Developed from Ixora odorata seedlings, this compact shrub features lush, broad green foliage and a naturally full, rounded habit. During cooler weather, the flower buds and petals may develop the faintest blush of soft pink, adding extra charm to the display. The blooms also carry a light, pleasant fragrance.
Growing just 2.5 to 3 feet tall and wide, Shady Lady is perfect for foundation plantings, containers, shaded borders, and tropical landscapes. With age and minimal pruning, plants can eventually reach up to 5 feet.
Shady Lady performs best in light to moderate shade, especially with gentle morning sun and protection from hot afternoon sun. Provide regular watering and well-drained soil for best growth and flowering. Its compact size and easy-care nature make it an excellent choice for containers, shaded garden beds, and tropical landscapes.
A rare and beautiful shade-tolerant Ixora that brings bright white flowers to places where traditional Ixoras simply won't perform.