Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Date:
Cats in the
Garden.
Cat Breed: The Norwegian Forest Cat - Skogkatt
By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
Meet the cats around us - they're our friends, protectors, and magical
mascots. They keep us healthy and can even save us in emergencies...
Winter brings a special time called the Solstice. It's when the earth
pauses its yearly cycle and starts a new one. This magical moment marks the
beginning of something enchanting...
Let's begin with the Norwegian Forest Cat. It's a mysterious and northern
feline friend, also called Skogkatt. It's like the wildcats in Scandinavian
fairy tales...
Skogkatt's favorite flower
What's Skogkatt's favorite flower in their homeland? Viking Poms, small yellow daisies. But in more southern regions, Daisy Trees - Montanoa - serve as substitutes, reminding them of their distant Northern homeland.
Montanoa atriplicifolia - Tree Chrysanthemum, Tree Daisy - one of the most impressive winter bloomers.
What is the flower of the most expensive perfume?
Champaka, Joy Perfume Tree - Magnolia (Michelia) champaca
Champaka, Joy Perfume Tree - Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - white flower Alba
Champaka, Joy Perfume Tree - Magnolia (Michelia) champaca
Champaka, Joy Perfume Tree - Magnolia (Michelia) champaca
The flowers from this tree - Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - are used to make the world's most expensive perfume 'Joy' and smell like fruity bubble gum 🎀... you can't stop sticking your nose in this flower!
👼 Sacred tree of India and SE Asia
flowers exude a divine fragrance that is exceedingly pleasing to the Gods... and women
🌳 Perfect small landscape tree of a columnar shape. Ideal for containers.
🌡 Relatively cold hardy
💎 Rare collectible, a gem of any plant collection!
📚 Learn more about Champaka
🛒 Shop Champaka - Joy Perfume Tree
#Perfume_Plants #Fun_Facts #Container_Garden #Trees
🏵 TopTropicals
Date:
Champaka - a true Joy of your life
by Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
...Champaka, or Joy Perfume Tree, is regarded as one of the most sacred
trees of India and tropical Asia. Its flowers exude a divine fragrance that
is exceedingly pleasing to the Gods... and women!..
...The tree was traditionally used to make fragrant hair and massage oils.
Jean Patou's famous perfume, 'Joy', the second bestselling perfume in the world after Chanel No. 5, (but definitely the most expensive number one!) is derived from the essential oils of champaka flowers. The plant common name "Joy Perfume Tree" comes from this perfume. Many niche perfumers are now once again using Champaka Absolute as single note fragrances...
Planting a Golden Champaka really makes your home a sweet home. Also you
can take the flower into your car, office, restroom, and anywhere you want to
create fragrant atmosphere. It emits a unique warm fragrance which promotes a
peaceful state of mind, reduces stress and helps you to relax and breathe
easily. Looks like it is specially designed for moments of tranquil
contemplation. It's the nature of Champaka - to remind us of the Divine in all
things...
CONTINUE READING >>
Date:
Ixora odorata - exclusive flower with fine perfume
Q: I see you have a very special plant - Ixora odorata with fragrant flowers, I've heard that the fragrance is heavenly. Is it easy to grow? Can I plant it as a hedge, like a regular ixora bush?
A: Indeed, Ixora odorata is quite special. It's a must-have for any tropical plant enthusiast, often likened to esteemed fragrance collectibles like Ylang Ylang or the Joy Perfume Tree. While it shares the genus with the common Southern landscape plant, Ixora, cultivating Ixora odorata requires some special attention. We wouldn't recommend using this rare exotic as a hedge; it's best suited as a centerpiece or specimen in your garden. The effort is certainly rewarded, as the sweet fragrance of its flowers is truly remarkable, reminiscent of Jasmines. Here are some tips for growing Ixora odorata:
1. Temperature. Ixora odorata is sensitive to cold and can't withstand even light frost. Protect it by growing it in a container that can easily be brought indoors during cold weather.
2. Soil. Like all ixoras, Ixora odorata prefers acidic soil. This is easily achieved since it's typically grown in a pot. High-quality potting soil, such as Sunshine Abundance, tends to have a lower pH (acidic), has low pH (acidic).
3. Light. Unlike most ixoras, Ixora odorata prefers shade to filtered sunlight, unlike most ixoras that are full sun plants.
4. Water. Ixora odorata prefers drier conditions during winter, so reduce watering in the winter months. In summer, regular watering is necessary, as it won't tolerate drying out.
5. Insect control. Ixora odorata can be susceptible to insects during winter. Keep an eye out for mealybugs during winter. Monitor the leaves, especially underneath.
5. Prune after flowering.
6. Fertilizer. Feed Ixora odorata with Sunshine Boosters Megaflor for most profule flowering and healthy waxy leaves.
Ixora odorata blooms in winter, making it a delightful addition to your home during the colder months. What can be better having this perfume factory! It's a true gem that's worth the extra care and attention - it deserves to be pampered!
We bring our Ixora odorata indoors during winter. It is happy to sit in a large bathtub with a skylight above it. It flowers all winter long, filling the air with light perfume not only in the bathroom and bedroom, but in the whole house. And of course, cats love it too!
Date:
Cat of
the Month:
Winter Adventure of Lisa the Cat
After publishing the story about Skogkatts - Norwegian Forest Cats, we received inquiries about Lisa, if she is available for adoption? Luckily, Lisa now has her wonderful sweet home in Sweden, so unfortunately for those who fell in love with her, she is not adoptable. But Lisa's life story wasn't all that sweet and simple! Rather thrilling and adventurous. So we decided to share her story with you...
By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
"...Lisa, who illustrated our story about Skogkatt Cat Breed, lives with my daughter Vanda, along with her family: husband Vitaly and two children - Max and Maria. They live in Sweden. Lisa is 13 years old now. About 10 years ago, Lisa had a heartbreaking adventure almost ended with a tragedy... But luckily, she made it through. However, since then, she can't jump high and sometimes walks funny, sways and limps... And here's what happened..."
Date:
Meet PeopleCats of TopTropicals. Cat of the Day: Sonya, the Co-Author
In our previous newsletter, you met our editor/photographer tandem - Tilda & Marina. Today we introduce our columnist assistant - Sonya. For the past decade, this True Norwegian Forest Cat has been a great helper and inspirational co-author for Alexandra, TopTropicals website writer and social media blogger.
Alex has been with TopTropicals since Day One (2003). In 2011, she got Sonya, a 3-month old kitten that someone kicked out: at that young age she already had quite a temper of a real Wild Cat. No one wanted to adopt her and Sonya was doomed to suffer a street life... So Alex invited her in the house... and it took her many months to teach Sonya some good manners! And Sonya turned into a beautiful and affectionate Purrrson as well as became the Boss in the house (what a surprise, duh) and Alexandra's dearest life companion. Sonya also discovered her talent in writing plant stories for TopTropicals, sitting on Alex's shoulder and whispering into her ear while she is typing Sonya's horticultural tips. And when Alex stares at monitors for more than 5 hours, Sonya lays on her keyboard saying: "Now get up and get some stretch lady! Let's go re-pot some plants for a change!"
We will be following up on Sonya's creative work, and you will hear from her again soon...
Check out and more Cat of the Day stories.
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PeopleCats Botanical Garden Grand Opening
Guided tour with Mark Hooten
Top Tropicals Garden Center is pleased to invite you to visit our new PeopleCats Botanical Garden on the grounds of Top Tropicals in Ft
Myers. It is named in honor of the relationship with our beloved Cats, who we treat like People. You'll see our Garden PeopleCats roaming the property. As a matter of fact, they rule
the garden!
The Garden has many mature trees and plants so you can see what they look like before your purchase them in our Garden Center. And of course, our
PeopleCats will be guiding you in the Gardens!
Photo above: blue light in the forest - TopTropicals Garden Ghost, the spirit is always watching!
Date:
Hedges
with Benefits
Reference Chart
Large and fast growing
Tithonia diversifolia - Sunflower tree
Acacia farnesiana
- Sweet Mimosa
Calliandra
surinamensis - Powderpuff
Aloysia virgata
- Almond Bush
Dombeya x wallichii - Tropical Hydrangea
Cornutia grandifolia - African lilac
Gmelina
philippensis - Parrots Beak
Hibiscus
mutabilis Cotton Candy - Mallow Hibiscus
Senna alata -
Empress Candle, Candelabra Plant
Medium or easy-trim
Acalypha hispida - Cat tail, Chenille plant
Bauhinia galpinii - Pride of De Kaap
Cestrum nocturnum
- Night blooming jasmine
Dombeya seminole
- Tropical Rose Hydrangea
Gardenia thunbergia - Forest
gardenia
Hamelia patens - Fire Bush
Hibiscus variegated
Snow Queen
Jasminum sambac
Maid of Orleans
Ochna integerrima
- Vietnamese Mickey Mouse, Hoa Mai
Odontonema callistachyum - Lavender Butterfly Bush
Odontonema cuspidatum - Firespike, Red
Rondeletia
leucophylla - Panama Rose
Tecoma stans - Yellow Elder
Short or slow growing
Aglaia odorata - Chinese Perfume Plant
Allamanda
schottii - Dwarf Allamanda Bush
Brunfelsia pauciflora Compacta - Dwarf Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow
Clerodendrum
incisum - Musical Note
Calliandra schultzii -
Dwarf calliandra
Gardenia
vietnamensis - Vietnamese Gardenia
Leonotis leonurus
- Lions Ears
Neea psychotrioides - Pigeon Plum, Hoja de Salat
Plumbago auriculata Imperial Blue
Garden Specimens
Combretum constrictum Thailand, Ball of Fire
Caesalpinia
pulcherrima - Red Dwarf Poinciana, Bird of Paradise
Clerodendrum
quadriloculare - Winter Starburst
Euphorbia
leucocephala - Snows of Kilimanjaro, Pascuita
Gardenia nitida - Shooting Star Gardenia
Hibiscus schizopetalus - Coral Hibiscus
Jatropha integerrima compacta
Kopsia fruticosa - Pink Gardenia
Malvaviscus x penduliflorus
Variegata - Summer Snow
Mussaenda philippica
x flava - Calcutta Sunset (Marmelade)
Plumeria pudica - Bridal Bouquet
Semi-Shade to Shade
Clerodendrum bungei - Glory Bower
Clerodendrum
paniculatum - Pagoda Flower
Eranthemum pulchellum - Blue Sage, Lead Flower
Clerodendrum
speciosissimum - Java Glorybower Mary Jane
Justicia carnea
- Pink Brazilian Plume, Jacobinia
Magnolia figo -
Banana Magnolia
Megaskepasma erythrochlamys - Brazilian plume
Thunbergia erecta - Kings Mantle
Tibouchina lepidota - Ecuador Princess, Jules Dwarf
Edible Hedges
Eugenia uniflora - Black Surinam Cherry Lolita
Camellia sinensis
- Tea Leaf
Hibiscus
sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Karkade Sorrel
Laurus nobilis - Bay Leaf
Manihot esculenta
- Yuca Root
Nashia inaguensis
- Moujean Tea, Bahamas Berry
Sauropus androgynus - Katuk, Tropical Asparagus
Sauropus Variegata - variegated Katuk
Date:
How to grow a happy Moringa Tree
Q: We purchased some tropical edible and medicinal plants from you in August this year. I have a question pertaining to our Moringa tree. When we purchased it, it was about two foot tall. It has put on tremendous growth and is now a little under ten foot tall. My question is, should a Moringa be losing lower leaves at this point? The bare limbs are still green and the top looks to have healthy green leaves.
A: Thank you for choosing our Moringa tree, and sharing the picture. It's great to see that your tree appears healthy and happy - it's a resilient plant. Given the relatively dry Fall we've experienced this year, a little extra water can make a significant difference.
Here are some suggestions to ensure your Moringa thrives:
Watering: While Moringa is generally drought-tolerant, during dry periods, in addition to relying on your lawn sprinkler system, add some extra water with a hose. Adequate moisture is crucial for maintaining healthy foliage.
Pest Control: Moringa is not only a nutritious plant for humans but also attracts pests that appreciate its medicinal properties :) If you notice insect damage on the leaves, consider spraying with Neem oil or using an over-the-counter systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid or a similar ingredient.
Seasonal Behavior: Moringa trees are semi-deciduous to deciduous, and their leaf-shedding behavior can vary depending on the climate. In Florida, for instance, it's common for Moringa trees to shed leaves in the Fall. However, this is a natural process, and you can expect new growth in the Spring.
Fertilizing for Vigorous Growth: To promote the most vigorous growth of your Moringa tree and other plants in your garden, consider implementing a fertilizing program. If using dry, slow-release fertilizers, apply them only during the active growth season: from March through November. If you're looking for a year-round solution, liquid amino acid-based formulas like Sunshine Boosters can be a great option. You can easily add them to your watering routine or use injectors like The Robuster for convenient and consistent feeding. If you're planning to expand your garden with other medicinal plants or an edible forest, The Robuster smart fertilizing system is an excellent choice, offering the most efficient, care-free way to nourish your plants with natural nutrients throughout the year.
This garden doubled the size during just one season under the Robuster care.
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The most fragrant flowers
Q: Hope you can help me with the following question with an upcoming newsletter. Would you please let us know of the strongest (pleasant) fragrant plants you currently have in stock? Fragrance that fills the space.
A: The most fragrant flower that "fills the air around" in definitely Chanel #5 - Cananga odorata a.k.a. Ylang Ylang. Just one tree when in
bloom can fill the air with fine perfume for yards away.
Another strongly scented perfume tree is Joy Perfume - Magnolia champaca (both orange and white
flowers are sweetly fragrant).
If you are looking for a smaller size plant, then the most fragrant are -
- Jasmine sambac
- Night-fragrant white-flowered Brunfelsias - B.
americana, B. nitida, B. Gigantea, B. lactea and others.
- Night blooming Jasmine - Cestrum nocturnum is another favorite shrub with night-fragrant
flowers, the scent is super strong and super sweet.
-
Artabotrys hexapetalus - Ylang Ylang vine with wonderful lemony fragrance that fills the air.
See Full list of fragrant plants.
























