Winter blooming plants

Medium to large tree, rare in cultivation. Flowers in very striking terminal racemes, resembling the inflorescences of Aloe, scarlet-red. Seeds bright red with a white spot. The flowers of this species are larger and more spectacular than any other Erythrina species.

Royal poinciana - 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.
"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)
Watch video about this tree.

Vietnamese Gardenia - large fragrant flowers. Easy to grow to compare with other gardenias, not so sensitive to overwatering and the most cold hardy of all tropical gardenias. Flowers are very beautiful unusual shape, extremely fragrant. Perfect for container, very bushy. Can be also planted in the ground. This pretty plant has been called "Gardenia" for long time. However, analysis shows that it is a horticultural form of Kailarsenia.
See article about this plant.

Parrot's Beak. An extraordinary round 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.

Coral Hibiscus, Skeleton Hibiscus. A weeping tree hibiscus, rare and hard to find. Grows rapidly and blooms freely. Flowers look like parachutes and can be recognized by the fringed and lacy petals which are bent backward. It has slender and gracefully curved stems. Can be trainer into a showy standard.

Holmskioldia citrina - Rare variety - bright yellow flowers. Sometimes this species is called Holmskioldia sanguinea Mandarin. Unique flowers are the main interest of this scrambling shrub: each is a narrow, tube backed by a broad, circular calyx.
See picture of actual plants for sale - in full bloom! (Dec 2012)

Grimal Jaboticaba - Peluda de Alagoas. Rare Jaboticaba introduced by Adolf Grimal. Sometimes known as the Giant Jaboticaba, it bears fruits that are larger than many Jaboticaba varieties. Has larger fruits with thick pulp and small seeds. Also notable that the fruits are mildly hairy and foliage may show a similar appearance. The trees are heavy producers, and will begin fruiting in 5 years. The tree fruits year round producing a lot of fruit.

Jaboticaba. One of the most popular native fruit of Brazil. Grape-like purple fruit with a thick skin and delicious melting pulp somewhat resembling Northern Black Currant in flavor. Small white flowers grow right on the trunk ("cauliflora" means "flowers growing on trunk). Trees grow very slowly and due to small leaves and dwarfish growth habit are often used as bonsai. Some old bonsai specimens can fruit.

Jaboticaba. One of the most popular native fruit of Brazil. Grape-like purple fruit with a thick skin and delicious melting pulp somewhat resembling Northern Black Currant in flavor. Small white flowers grow right on the trunk ("cauliflora" means "flowers growing on trunk). Trees grow very slowly and due to small leaves and dwarfish growth habit are often used as bonsai. Some old bonsai specimens can fruit.

Jacaranda trees are known for their stunning purple flowers, which bloom in late spring and early summer. These trees are native to South America and are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Jacaranda trees are fast-growing and can reach heights of up to 50 feet. They have a distinctive umbrella-like canopy and fern-like leaves, which make them popular as ornamental trees in gardens and parks. In addition to their attractive flowers, jacaranda trees are also prized for their hardwood, which is strong and durable. The wood is often used in the construction of furniture and other wood products. Jacaranda trees are also known for their ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions and are resistant to many pests and diseases. They are relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers. Overall, jacaranda trees are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden, and their striking purple flowers are sure to add a splash of color to any landscape.
See Article about this plant.

Peregrina is an evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy leaves and clusters of star shaped bright scarlet flowers about 1 in across that are borne in multi-flowered terminal clusters almost all year round. Compacta is a smaller, more compact cultivar. Peregrina is tolerant of a wide variety of soils as long as they are well drained. Blooms on the current year's growth so it can be pruned at any time of the year.

One of the garden favorites, this is a vigorous, evergreen or semi-evergreen vine bearing highly fragrant purple-red flowers adorned with white interiors from spring intermittently through late summer. They are followed by blue-black berry-like fruit that attract birds. This Japanese honeysuckle has a lush foliage of purple-tinged, oval leaves throughout the growing season. Native to eastern Asia. Grows up to 10-30 ft.
A part shade lover, tolerates full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Drought tolerant. An ideal choice for mass plantings on banks and slopes for controlling erosion. Pest and disease free. This is a cold hardy tropical, can take some freeze once established.

Mansoa alliacea (Cydista aequinoctialis) - Garlic Vine. This is one of the most rewarding flowering vines that you can grow, unless that you are a vampire. Interestingly enough crushed leaves smell like garlic. It is one of the most wanted winter-flowering vines. When in full bloom, it looks like a cascade of blue-purple over a fence or trellis. Deep lavender flowers with white throat fading to a paler lavender within a few days, and you can see all three colors on the plant at the same time. Winter-Spring bloomer, it will also have some flowers on and off throughout the year. The vine has moderate growth rate and can stay compact in a pot as a specimen, and even can be grown as a house plant. It can tolerate some light frost.
Read Article about this plant.

Iris Regina. This variety was discovered in Brazil near the ocean in shady sandy soil, introduced by Sid Gardino, and named after his wife, Regina.
The plant is salt tolerant. Plants mature to flowering size from seed in less than a year. Cold hardy only to about 30F.

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.

Petrea racemosa - Royal Queen's wreath, Sandpaper vine with larger flowers than P. volubilis. A twining vine with rough green leaves and spectacular tall clusters of purple flowers. It likes warm and humid conditions. The flowers come in raceme reaching over 1 foot long, the flowers lasts a couple of days but the blue calices remain much longer, slowly turning gray.
See picture of actual plant for sale (1-2013).

Petrea volubilis - Queen's wreath, Sandpaper vine. A twining vine with rough green leaves and spectacular tall clusters of purple flowers. It likes warm and humid conditions. The flowers come in raceme reaching over 1 foot long, the flowers lasts a couple of days but the blue calices remain much longer, slowly turning gray.

Dwarf Pomegranate - compact fruiting shrub that is often used for bonsai. Fruit are smaller than regular pomegranate, but also edible, although somewhat acid. Mostly used as cute ornamental specimen.
See Article about Pomegranate.

Chocolate Raspberry, Pseuderanthemum Iguana Mia. Tri-color hybrid of Black Varnish that has an amazing combination of purple, dark green, and black colors of the leaves. Leaves change color as they mature and also depending on light and season. Spikes of spectacular deep mauve flowers sprinkled with pink from Winter to Spring. The plant may flower several times a year. If grown in filtered light, leaves get larger and darker. A must for every tropical plant collection, it can be easily grown as a house plant.

Shaving Brush Tree. One of the strangest looking flowering trees, this fast-growing tree bears spectacular showy staminate flowers in the spring. It usually has no leaves at that time, which serves to show off the large and striking blooms.

Dwarf Tree Jasmine. A very rare small Thai tree with extremely fragrant flowers. The scent resembles roses, juicy fruit, candies, fine cologne all together and can be smelled from many yards away. Leaves are very ornamental and have a fountain-like architecture. In Thailand, the tree symbolizes simplicity, endurance, advancement, and peacefulness. Extract from these flowers is used in village pharmacy as relaxant and aphrodisiac.

Blackberry jam fruit, Jasmin de rosa - fragrant white flowers and edible fruit that tastes like blackberry jam! Rare exotic that will fruit in a container. Kids love the fruit!
This unique compact plant, perfect for container culture, combines features of a fragrant flower and tasty desert fruit. Originally from Central and South America, this rare tropical small evergreen tree bears fruit which tastes like fresh Blackberry jam. Many claim that it

Mexican flame vine. Fast-growing vine with beautiful bright orange flowers year round. Great for covering fences, etc. Good for beginners, doesn't require much care, drought tolerant once established.

African tulip tree. Medium size tree. Blooms winter through spring with gorgeous tulip-like flowers, red with yellow throat. Sensitive to frost especially when young. Mature plants are more cold hardy.

This is a plant on a hoop, a florist special! In full bloom during its flowering season.
Bridal Bouquet. Woody wine with waxy dark green leaves and beautiful clusters of white fragrant flowers. Hawaiian favorite, used in wedding ceremonies for leis.