A: In the shady corners of the tropical garden, the Eranthemum pulchellum, affectionately known as Blue Sage or Lead Flower, emerges as a vibrant winter surprise. Its petals boast a bright gentian blue hue, a hue so unusual in the tropics that it's as if the plant got a memo about standing out in a sea of green.

This botanical maverick flaunts its blossoms when the rest of the garden is caught napping, making it the prima donna of the winter bloomers. With a penchant for the shadows, the Blue Sage is the introvert of the garden, thriving in the cool embrace of shade. So, if your garden needs a touch of cool and a dash of mystery, invite the Blue Sage - the shade-loving sensation that's always fashionably late to the blooming party.

Blue Sage is an easygoing champ in your garden. You can trim it how you like, and guess what? The more you trim it, the bushier it becomes. This plant doesn't mind shade, and when winter hits, it shows off its bright flowers, making your garden extra pretty without any fuss. So, if you're all about simple gardening joy, the Blue Sage is your go-to pal that turns your garden into a happy, colorful spot.

A: One of our favorite flowering shrubs in Florida is the Cassia bicapsularis, commonly known as Scrambled Egg Bush or Butterfly Bush. It is one of the most desirable plants for the southern landscape. It has all the benefits any gardener may dream of, whether a beginner or an expert:

1. Very fast growing, can screen unwanted views and create a beautiful flowering hedge. Cassia bicapsularis is known for its rapid growth, making it an excellent choice for quickly transforming an unsightly corner into a vibrant and lush area. Its dense foliage and attractive yellow blooms add both beauty and privacy to your outdoor space.

2. Easy to grow, not fussy about soil or water, drought and flood tolerant, cold tolerant. Butterfly Bush is incredibly adaptable and resilient. It thrives in a variety of soil types, is not demanding when it comes to water, and can withstand both drought and occasional flooding. Additionally, it is cold tolerant and can withstand occasional frosts once established.

3. Blooms for many months, featuring especially in winter flowers from Fall to spring. Very pretty, large "sunny" flowers resembling bright yellow butterflies, hence the name. It is a generous bloomer, gracing your garden with vibrant yellow flowers for an extended period, particularly from fall to spring. The large, sunny blooms not only add visual appeal but also attract pollinators, enhancing the ecological balance of your garden.

4. Attracts lots of butterflies. As the common name suggests, the Butterfly Bush is a magnet for butterflies. If you enjoy the presence of these beautiful winged creatures in your garden, planting Cassia bicapsularis is an excellent way to encourage and support butterfly populations.

5. Low maintenance. Butterfly Bush can be trimmed and controlled at the desired shape if needed, but if you have room for a big bush in a full sun area - just let it go and it will form a nice dense bush without any pruning: this shrub is a low-maintenance delight. While it can be pruned and shaped according to your preferences, it also flourishes when left to grow naturally. Its ability to form a dense and attractive bush without constant pruning makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a fuss-free gardening experience.

If you're looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing solution to screen an unsightly corner, Cassia bicapsularis is an unbeatable choice. It ticks all the boxes for a beautiful and resilient flowering shrub in the southern landscape.

"...Without a doubt, Butterfly Cassia became one of my favorite plants during my visit to Florida for Christmas a few years ago. I only wish I could have taken it back home with me to Latvia. If only my windowsill hadn't already reached its greenhouse capacity!.." - Alex Butova.

To see more options for flowering shrubs, check out the reference chart Hedges with Benefits Chart.