Herbaceous Perennials, Groundcovers, and Small Shrubs

Monocostus uniflorus, Costus uniflorus. This is a soft and delicate small ginger growing with spiral stems and dark green, oval thick leaves which are about 2 inches to 2.5 inches long. Large, single lemon-yellow flowers emerge at the tip of stems of graceful texture spring from a spiraling cone. It will bloom almost all year and will make a beautiful free full blooming hanging basket.
See article about gingers by John Banta.

Rare collectible species from Columbia. It starts out with somewhat light green undivided leaves, then begins to split as the plant matures growing small splits along the leaf. Eventually, the plant will set up in a nook or a joint in a tree and begin growing as if nesting. This is where the plant becomes most interesting. The leaves become completely divided or pinnate.
The Monstera pinnatipartita is one such out-of-the-ordinary example. This evergreen climbs with epiphytic aerial roots and can grow up to 2 feet a year if growing conditions are optimal. Despite their show-stopping appearance, these plants are surprisingly easy-to-care-for.
While mature plants certainly have the wow factor, the smaller foliage on juvenile plants is solid rather than fenestrated. You'll need patience for the payoff if you buy this baby.
See Article about Philodendrons.

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.

Brazilian candles. One of our most interesting shrubs. A vertical grower with green leaves and unusual dark pink and purple upright flowers with blue stamens that look like they are not fully opened. Flowers cover the whole plant sometimes. This plant excudes on stems and leaves, and after the liquid dries out, it leaves very attractive crystals, shining in the sunlight.

This is a terrestrial Orchid that can be grown in soil. It forms large clumps with inflorescences as tall as four feet bearing 10-20 fragrant flowers, opening up in succession. Sword shaped leaves develop as the tall inflorescens of white, rose and brown flowers reaches full bloom in the late spring. The species produces a new plant on a short bulb-like runner every year and flowers magnificently during March and April. It prefers shade and can take a long dry period before the flowering season.
See video about Ground Orchids.

Native to Columbia, the gorgeous and highly sought after Pink Princess philodendron is at the top of many plant collector's wish lists, and for good reason. Characterized by deep green, heart-shaped leaves with bubblegum pink variegation, the pink princess is truly unique in the plant world. While it can be easily confused with the Philodendron pink congo, the variegation of the pink princess is stable as it occurs due to natural processes (whereas the pink congo variegation is a result of chemicals that are injected into the leaves, usually reverting back to green a couple months after being purchased).
See Article about Philodendrons.

While a less common houseplant, the Philodendron McColley's Finale features lovely multi-colored leaves that make it stunning to look at and an attention piece.
See Article about Philodendrons.

A rare tropical plant from Africa that gets beautiful lavender/pink flowers in late winter to spring. It prefers a shady spot or filtered light and average water and fertilizer. Nice rare plant for tropical plant collectors.

Also called Solenostemon amboinicus, Allspice - Cuban Oregano. Excellent fragrant herb that is ideal in mixed containers and patio planters. Leaves are used for cooking as basil. The fresh leaves are used in beef salad in Thailand. A species also is cultivated as a house plant because of its beautiful leaves.
It is often called Course Leaf Thyme. Beautiful, fragrant, strong, medicinal... there is so much good to say about this plant. A popular herb among the West Indies, the beneficial and useful properties go on and on. Have a bad cough? Try a few bold leaves with a cup of tea for a cure. Want the most tender pork of your life? Try stuffing a loin with some course leaf thyme. In the garden, the kitchen, or medicine cabinet, you will love this little guy! And the best part? It is strong; very strong. Where as so many other herbs have such fragile or short life cycles, this plant will surely outlast them. An amazing compliment and must have addition to your herb or tropical garden.