Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Date:
Bauhinias: trees with Orchid Flowers
and Butterfly Wings...
Photo above: Bauhinia variegata - Purple Orchid Tree, one of the most spectacular varieties.
Q: We just moved to Florida and I see these beautiful trees with large purple flowers. I was told these are Orchid trees, do you have them?
A: Bauhinias, commonly known as Orchid trees, are renowned for their captivating flowers and unique foliage. These trees typically grow to a moderate height of 15-25 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet, showcasing a rounded to vase-like shape. Thriving in hardiness zones 9-11, they exhibit resilience to heat and can withstand mild frost. There are over 300 species of Bauhinia, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. These species vary in characteristics such as size, foliage, and flower color, contributing to the diversity and appeal of this genus. You can find them as trees, shrubs, and even vines.
Bauhinias are evergreen (in tropics) to semi-deciduous (in cooler climates), offering year-round beauty with intermittent blooming cycles. The peak bloom time varies depending on the species and location, often occurring in late winter to early spring, bedecking the tree with striking orchid-like flowers in hues ranging from white and pink to purple and red. The flowers boast delicate petals with intricate patterns, resembling the elegance of true orchids.
One of the distinguishing features of Bauhinia leaves is their unique bi-lobed or bilobed structure, which gives them a distinct appearance. The leaves are deeply divided, typically into two lobes or halves, hence the common name "Butterfly tree" due to their resemblance to butterfly wings. This characteristic is often used as an identifying trait for Bauhinia species. The bilobed leaves add to the visual appeal of the tree, contributing to its ornamental value in addition to its beautiful flowers.
Photo above: Bauhinia monandra - Napoleons Plume, starts flowering in small size. This one is very beautiful but the most cold sensitive and should be grown in pots in areas with winter freeze. It will happily bloom in container!
Low-maintenance by nature, Bauhinias require minimal upkeep. Annual feeding with a balanced fertilizer enhances growth and flowering. Pruning is generally optional but can be done in late winter or spring, after flowering, to maintain shape or remove dead or damaged branches. These trees thrive in full sun, preferring well-drained soil. With their enchanting blooms and easy care requirements, Bauhinia orchid trees are a delightful addition to any landscape, and a colorful specimen for tropical winter gardens.
In addition, Orchid trees grow fast and provide excellent shade. They can make a shady spot in your garden in no time, giving relief from the hot sun. This is really valuable, especially in places where it gets very hot. So, not only are Orchid trees pretty to look at with their lovely flowers, but they're also great for keeping you cool!
Read more about Bauninias:
Bauihnias: Orchid trees with Butterfly flowers... and leaves
Photo above: Bauhinia x alba (candida) - White orchid tree, the most cold hardy variety that can take light freeze once established.
Photo above: Bauhinia purpurea - Purple Orchid Tree, one of the most popular and easy trees in Southern landscapes.
How to protect Mango Trees from Cold Weather
🌞 Mango trees love warm weather. They grow best in temperatures between 70F to 100F.
📍 Cold weather can be harmful to mango trees: when the temperature drops below freezing, trees can get damaged. Frost can hurt young leaves and flowers, reducing the amount of fruit.
💬 Ways to protect mango trees from cold
🔹 Right location: Plant in sunny areas with protection from cold winds.
🔹 Cover them up: Use blankets or frost cloth to protect young trees.
🔹 Add mulch: Helps keep the roots warm during cold weather.
🔹 Move potted trees: Bring them inside when it gets too cold.
🔹 Use Sunshine Boosters to improve tree hardiness
➡ Fertilized mango trees are stronger and more resilient.
- ➡ They grow faster and have better root systems, making them more hardy against cold weather.
- ➡ Sunshine Boosters provide the essential nutrients needed for strength and vigor, helping plants recover faster from cold damage.
Sunshine Boosters "Mango Tango" makes mango trees stronger and more resistant to cold. A well-fed tree can survive cold better and produce more fruit. With Sunshine Boosters, you ensure your mango trees stay healthy, even in chilly weather!
📚 Learn more from the articles:
Mango trees and how to deal with cold weather
How to fertilize your Mango trees
📸 See photo in the next post👇
🛒 Shop Sunshine Boosters
#Fertilizers #Mango
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Date:
Top ten fast-fruiting trees
Q: I would like to plant several fruit trees... I am 85 years old and hope to see them fruiting soon. What fruit trees can you recommend that will fruit quickly?
A: Most grafted fruit trees, such as Mango, Avocado, and Peaches, will fruit quickly - often within the same year or the next. There are also many wonderful tropical fruits that will produce for you within a year or two, even without the need for grafting. Below are the top 10 of most popular, most rewarding and easy to grow fast fruiting tropical trees:
1. Annona - Sugar Apple, Custard Apple.
Annonas are the fastest fruiting trees: 2-3-4 years from seed to fruit, depending on species. They are the best tropical fruit trees suited for container growing, due to their small height and can be maintained within 6-8 ft tall.
2. Guava (Psidium sp.): Cattley and Tropical guava
Guava is a reliable producer, starts fruiting in a pot at small size. Some varieties, especially Cattley guavas - Psidium littorale - are relatively cold hardy and can take some frost without damage. Guavas are fast growing small trees or large bushes.
3. Eugenia - Tropical Cherries
Eugenias are favorites of Southern gardens. They are relatively cold hardy and start producing right away. Black Surinam Cherry Lolita and Grumichama are our favorites!
4. Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra)
Another exceptional tropical cherry is Barbados Cherry. It is super popular as a heavy producer. The plant can start fruiting when it's only a few inches tall! If you are looking for a compact, but fast growing tree with colorful fruit that starts fruiting right away - plant Barbados Cherry. It will also happily fruit in containers.
5. Eriobotrya (Eriobotrya japonica)
Loquat tree is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, cold-tolerant, compact tropical fruit tree. It is a heavy producer. Fruits are juicy, aromatic, and resemble apricots. Ripen from early Spring to early Summer. Ideal for small gardens, beginner fruit tree growers.
6. Papaya (Carica papaya)
Papaya is probably the fastest fruiting tree that can start production the same year from planting a seed. Many dwarf varieties available in selection, reaching only 6-8 ft tall, but producing large crops of full size fruit - they are easy to harvest. Plant 2-3 Papaya trees of different cultivars that fruit at different times of the year and enjoy heavy crops of healthy fruit year around! Another benefit - this tree doesn't take much space in the garden, you can plant as many as you want.
7. Mulberry (Morus hybrids)
Mulberry is very cold hardy and can grow in wide range of climate zones, from USDA 5 to 10. Everyone knows this sweet, tasty, juicy fruit. The tree will produce right away, you will see fruit the next season after planting, and the tree grows fast.
8. Carambola - Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola)
Growing Carambola tree is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy this unique star-shaped delicious fruit right at home. It fruits on the 3d year from seed. The tree is easy to grow and reliable producer, providing wind protection.
9. Blackberry Jam Fruit (Randia formosa)
Blackberry Jam Fruit, Jasmin de Rosa is a curious small evergreen tree or bush that combines features of a fragrant flower and delicious dessert fruit which tastes like fresh Blackberry jam. Fragrant white flowers are similar to Gardenia.
10. Peanut Butter Tree (Bunchosia argentea)
Peanut Butter Tree, earns its name from its fleshy fruits that boast a delightful peanut butter flavor. Compact in size, small tree reaching only 10-15 ft or kept as a bush, it's a perfect choice for limited spaces. Can thrive indoors, starting to fruit within just 2-3 years from seed.
Date:
When Bigger means Better
Everybody loves shopping online nowadays, and plants are no exception. Buying plants by mail order is not uncommon anymore; it only takes one click, and luckily, there are many sources - from big shopping malls like Amazon to small backyard nurseries that sell their seedlings on eBay or Facebook - all delivered to your door. But plants are alive... So when doing your online plant shopping, you must ensure that you fully enjoy your experience and are happy with a healthy plant that a) doesn't die; b) recovers quickly; and c) starts growing fast, so you can see flowers and fruit as soon as possible.
The rule of thumb for shipping plants: bigger plants undergo shipping better, experience less stress, less leaf drop, and recover quicker than plants with smaller root systems. So when it comes to buying plants online, the bigger, the better. Unfortunately, many mail-order plant sources may sell you a tiny twig that has very few chances of surviving. Shipping is very expensive today, so shipping a bigger size plant may cost more than the plant itself.
Below is a piece of advice on how to make the best plant selection for your garden...
Photo above: Loquat trees in 3 gal containers.
5 important rules on how to buy trees online
1. Find a source with bigger plants. Check reviews, ask friends
for recommendations, inquire from the company about the size of their plants
and how they pack their plants for shipping.
TopTropicals offers well-established, strong plants with developed root
system, in container sizes 1, 3, 7, 15 gallon, directly from a tropical
Florida growing farm. Our unique plant-packing techniques are state of the art!
2. Price not always reflects the size and quality of the plant
TopTropicals offers many deals, discounts and sales, while still
providing the biggest and strongest plants grown in real tropical conditions.
3. Most fruit trees must be grafted to produce good fruit. Make
sure you are not purchasing a seedling when it comes to Mango, Avocado,
Peaches and some other trees with named varieties that don't come true to seed.
TopTropicals offers only grafted - Mango,
Avocado and a large number of other tropical cultivars.
4. Pick up when possible from the nursery your ordered from, or
get a delivery, instead of shipping the plants. A drive to the nursery will save you more time and money in the
future, plus you can hand-pick the biggest and healthiest specimens.
TopTropicals is open 7 days a week for your convenience. Visit our Ft Myers Garden Center or Sebring Farm to select the biggest plants.
5. Take advantage of X-Large size plant material if you live
outside the tropical zone and are trying to zone-push your tropical garden.
Bigger plants will establish faster and have more chances to survive cold winters.
Again, it will save you money in a long run (although bigger plants may be
more expensive, but their survival rate is much higher when it comes to cold
nights).
TopTropicals offers X-Large flowering and fruiting trees (7-15-25
gallons), and most of the varieties you see in our online
store can be custom-ordered in big sizes. Delivery and installation
available.
Photo above: Avocado trees in 7 gal containers.
Photo above: Magnolia champaca - Joy Perfume Tree in 25 gal container.
Date:
Shade
Tree Discount Program
How to reduce an electric bill and energy costs?
Photo above: Cassia fistula - Golden Shower Tree - one of the most popular trees. This all time favorite is fast growing and elegant.
Q: How to reduce an electric bill and energy costs?
A: This summer is expected to be hot. And the next summer... and next... Want to reduce your electric bill and energy costs? There is an excellent solution: plant a shade tree! Once fully grown, these trees will help keep your house cooler and lower your energy expenses.
Today we are offering a special discount you can use for purchasing
trees that will keep your homes cooler in Summer and gardens warmer in Winter!
Check out Fast
Growing Shade Trees, as well as other flowering trees and fruit trees and use discount below:
GETSHADE
Your savings with this code:
5% off orders $100+
15% off orders $150+
20% off orders $200+
Excluding S/H. Excluding 15 gal material. Exp. 6-12-24
Photo above: Tabebuia - spectacular winter bloomer.
Photo above: Bauhinia blakeana - Hong Kong Orchid Tree. The most beautiful of all orchid trees.
Photo above: Mango trees now. Many varieties are vigorous, large trees.
Photo above: Cattley Guava Tree is an elegant solution for small spaces. Red Button French Kiss Ginger goes well with it!
What trees will fruit quickly? Top 10 fast-fruiting trees
Q: I would like to plant several fruit trees... I am 85 years old and hope to see them fruiting soon. What fruit trees can you recommend that will fruit quickly?
A: Most grafted fruit trees, such as Mango, Avocado, and Peaches, will fruit quickly - often within the same year or the next. There are also many wonderful tropical fruits that will produce for you within a year or two, even without the need for grafting.
⚠️ In our next posts we will introduce to you the top 10 of most popular, most rewarding and easy to grow fast fruiting tropical trees...
📚 Discover 10 fast-fruiting trees in the following posts:
1. Annona - Sugar Apple, Custard Apple
2. Guava (Psidium sp.): Cattley and Tropical guava
3. Eugenias - Tropical Cherries
4. Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra)
5. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
6. Papaya (Carica papaya)
7. Mulberry (Morus hybrids)
8. Carambola - Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola)
9. Blackberry Jam Fruit (Randia formosa)
10. Peanut Butter Tree (Bunchosia argentea)
Stay with us and make sure to subscribe! ⬇️
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#Food_Forest
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How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop
Lychee fruit on a tree, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree in a pot with fruit, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree with fruit, Litchi chinensis
Lychee fruit, Litchi chinensis
- 🍑 Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is a tropical evergreen tree renowned for its delicious, aromatic fruit. Native to southern China, lychee trees can reach heights of up to 40 feet and are prized for their attractive foliage and bountiful fruit clusters.
- 🍑 Important factors to consider when planting a Lychee tree
- 💋Climate: Lychee trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with warm, humid summers and cool, dry winters. They require a period of winter chilling (100-200 hours between 32F and 45F) to induce flowering. Mature trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 25F, but young trees are susceptible to frost damage.
- 💋Sunlight: Plant lychee trees in full sun to ensure vigorous growth and optimal fruit production. They require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
- 💋Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter are ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils or areas prone to waterlogging, as lychee trees are susceptible to root rot.
- 💋Spacing: Ensure adequate space for the tree's mature size by planting at least 20 feet away from other trees or structures.
- 🍑 When and how do you harvest lychee fruit?
- 💋Lychee trees typically begin to produce reliably after 3-5 years, with the fruit ripening in early summer.
- 💋Timing: Wait until the fruit's skin turns bright red or pink, indicating full ripeness. Lychees do not ripen off the tree, so it's essential to harvest at the right time.
- 💋Method: Use pruning shears to cut entire clusters, leaving a short stem attached to each fruit to prolong freshness. Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising.
- 💋Post-Harvest: Consume fresh lychees within a few days or store them in the refrigerator to extend shelf life. The skin may darken when refrigerated, but the fruit's quality remains unaffected.
- 🍑 How to grow a Lychee tree?
- 💋Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering, as lychee trees are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- 💋Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit development. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can inhibit flowering. Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus - natural liquid fertilizer - is the best choice, and is safe to use with every watering year around.
- 💋Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or diseased branches and shape the tree to maintain its structure. Pruning after harvest can encourage new growth.
🍑 More practical advice on propagation and harvest in next post 👇
🛒 Shop Lychee trees
#Food_Forest #How_to
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How to Grow Jackfruit: Practical Guide
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) tree
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit at the base of the tree
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit at the base of the tree
- 🍈 Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tropical tree that produces the largest fruit in the world, weighing up to 80 pounds and reaching 36 inches in length. The trees thrive in frost-free, humid climates with plenty of sunlight. They require well-draining soil rich in organic matter and regular watering to flourish. Despite their reputation as ultra-tropical, mature Jackfruit trees can tolerate light frost for a few hours without significant damage. Additionally, they can be grown in containers in colder areas with proper care and pruning.
- 🍈 What Climate is Essential for Growing Jackfruit Trees?
- 🍈 How Often Do Trees Need Fertilizing, and What is the Best Type of Feed?
- 🍈 How Important is Pruning, and When is the Right Time to Prune?
- 🍈 Key Tips for Successful Jackfruit Production
Jackfruit trees require a tropical or subtropical climate, with temperatures ideally between 60-95°F. While young trees are frost-sensitive, mature trees can withstand light frost for short periods. However, cold winters can reduce fruit production. Frost-free temperatures are crucial for optimal growth and fruiting.
Jackfruit trees are heavy feeders. Fertilizing them regularly is key to their health and productivity. During the active growing season (spring to fall), apply a balanced dry fertilizer once a month. Liquid amino-acid-based fertilizers, such as Sunshine Boosters, can be used year-round with every watering. These fertilizers help maintain healthy growth and encourage abundant fruiting. Supplement with organic matter like compost, manure, or peat moss to enrich the soil.
Pruning is essential for maintaining a manageable tree size and promoting healthy fruit production. Jackfruit trees produce fruit at the base of the trunk, allowing them to be pruned annually to a height of 7-12 feet. This practice not only makes harvesting easier but also encourages more fruiting. Prune after the fruiting season or in late fall to remove excess growth and shape the tree. Regular pruning also improves air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.
- · Climate: Ensure frost-free temperatures and adequate humidity.
- · Soil: Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
- · Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging.
- · Pruning: Keep the tree under 7-10 feet for easier management and better yield.
- · Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizers and supplements regularly.
🍈 Jackfruit facts
- · The fruit consists of large, edible bulbs of yellow, sweet, banana-pineapple-flavored aromatic flesh.
- · Seedlings start fruiting within 3-4 years, with fruit ripening 4-6 months after flowering.
- · A mature tree can produce up to 200 pounds of fruit annually.
- · For colder regions, growing Jackfruit in containers is an option, provided the tree is regularly pruned and topped.
👍 Jackfruit trees grow fast and fruit abundantly with proper care, making them an exotic addition to tropical fruit collections.
📚 From previous posts:
The largest tree-borne fruit in the world
How to grow the biggest fruit on Earth
🛒 Plant your own Jackfruit
#Food_Forest #How_to
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Date:
How to grow Bottle brush trees
Q: Please recommend me a cold hardy flowering tree that doesn't need much care.
A: Growing bottle brush trees (Callistemon spp.) can be a rewarding experience, as they are known for their striking, brush-like flowers and ability to attract pollinators. Here are some detailed tips to help you successfully grow and maintain these trees.
Hardiness
Bottle brush trees are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-11. They thrive in warm climates and can tolerate some light frost, but severe cold can damage or kill the plant.
Planting Location
Sunlight: Bottle brush trees require full sun to thrive. Ensure they get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: They prefer well-draining soil. While they are relatively tolerant of poor soil conditions, a sandy or loamy
Space: Consider the mature size of the tree when planting. Some species can grow quite large, so provide enough space for them to spread without being crowded by other plants or structures.
Attracting Pollinators
Bottle brush trees are popular with pollinators. Their bright, nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds, particularly hummingbirds. This makes them an excellent choice for a garden designed to support local wildlife.
Blooming and Fertilization
Bottle brush trees typically bloom in late spring to early summer. However, in mild climates, they may have sporadic blooms throughout the year.
Fertilization: While bottle brush trees do not require heavy fertilization, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can promote healthier growth and more abundant blooms. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. During the year, use |find_name=Sunshine Boosters Megaflor(Sunshine Megaflor)| - it is safe to use with every watering, year around.
Watering
During the establishment period, keep the soil moist. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells.
Pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. This also encourages bushier growth.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of bottle brush trees in your garden. Their vibrant flowers and attraction to pollinators make them a delightful addition to many landscapes.
How to choose the right flowering trees for your landscape
Phymosia umbellata - Cranberry Malva Aparasolada
- 🌷 There are so many flowering and blooming trees to choose from, where should you start? Well there are plenty of questions to ask and several answers for each.
- 🌷 Are you looking for trees that bloom in winter or are you looking for summer flowering trees? Maybe you are looking for the fastest growing shade tree. The choices are endless. Depending on your answer, there may be several trees that meet your needs.
- 🌷 One good place for beginners and even seasoned growers is to use the search features in our Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia. Here you can search by name, size, growth habit, light requirements, watering needs, color of bloom and cold hardiness.
- 🌷 You will be able to search for trees that attract butterflies and even those that are salt tolerant if you live near the ocean.
- 🌷 If you choose the small tree category, you will find small flowering trees and even dwarf flowering trees or bonsai starters.
🎥 Phymosia umbellata - Cranberry Malva Aparasolada
🛒 Shop flowering trees
#Trees #How_to
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