Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Date:
Privacy Hedges with Benefits
What's the numero uno question we get bombarded with at Top Tropicals Nursery? Well, it's a real head-scratcher:
Q: "...Can you recommend me a flowering privacy hedge to spice up my yard's life? My current hedge is just a green wall and I'm tired of the monthly trim routine. I need something lively, fast-growing, and unusual if possible. No plain old ixora, please!.."
A: After over two decades of being the go-to advice-givers, we thought, "Why not spill the floral beans and share our tropical wisdom?" But where to begin? The jungle of flowering ornamentals is vast, and picking the perfect shrub is like finding the missing piece of a gardening puzzle. So, in our new column "Hedges with Benefits" we're dishing on those not-so-average shrubs that'll not only prettify your patch but also bring some serious practicality. Today's lineup is -
Top Ten Winners:
Fast growing flowering shrubs
Below is the top selection of spectacular flowering shrubs that can create a nice hedge or a natural screen within just a couple of seasons.
Tithonia diversifolia - Sunflower tree.
Grows super fast to a very tall dense hedge, and starts flowering right away. Full sun, very easy, not
fussy about soil or water. Winter bloomer.
Calliandra surinamensis - Powderpuff.
Pretty pink powderpuffs almost year around! Easy to prune.
Dombeya x wallichii - Tropical Hydrangea.
You can see this beautiful bush right at Top Tropicals gate. Winter bloomer, large lush leaves and huge, pink hydrangea-like blooms. Very large and fast growing, likes water, tolerates shade.
Acalypha hispida - Cat tail, Chenille plant.
All time favorite, everblooming with red cat tails! Full sun. Easy to control.
Hibiscus variegated Snow Queen.
Popular landscape bush with unusual look, red flowers over snow white variegation, very showy! Responds well to
pruning. Full sun.
Leonotis leonurus - Lions Ears.
Winter bloomer, great for low hedges. Covered with bright orange curious flowers,
medium sized, easy to control at 3-4 ft. Full sun.
Plumbago auriculata Imperial Blue
One of the most popular Southern hedge plants, everblooming with bright blue flowers, tolerant to drought, heat, and poor soils. Can be maintained short or tall (2-6 ft).
Eranthemum pulchellum - Blue Sage, Lead Flower.
Great for shady spots, winter bloomer with dark green leaves and unusual sky-blue flowers. Can be trimmed if needed. Nice and dense.
Clerodendrum paniculatum - Pagoda Flower. Happy in the sun or shade, easy plant. Loves water.
Tibouchina lepidota - Ecuador Princess, Jules Dwarf.
Sun or shade, blooms on and off throughout the year. Beautiful Purple
Princess!
Date:
Easy compact bush for sandy soil
Caesalpinia pulcherrima - Red Dwarf Poinciana, Bird of Paradise.
Q: Can you recommend a flowering bush that will be in full sun and in sandy soil. I do not want it to exceed 10 feet.
A: For a garden specimen bush that is medium size and tolerates poor soils, we can recommend to choose from the plants below. These are all easy to grow, not fussy about soil and water, and stay compact and require minimal or no trimming at all.
Calliandra surinamensis - Powderpuff - 6-8 ft
Hibiscus
mutabilis Cotton Candy - Mallow Hibiscus - 5-6 ft
Dombeya seminole
- Tropical Rose Hydrangea 4-6 ft
Allamanda
schottii - Dwarf Allamanda Bush 3-4 ft
Brunfelsia
pauciflora Compacta - Dwarf Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow - 4-5 ft
Calliandra
schultzii - Dwarf calliandra - 4-5 ft
Plumbago
auriculata Imperial Blue
Caesalpinia
pulcherrima - Red Dwarf Poinciana, Bird of Paradise - 2-4 ft
Hibiscus
schizopetalus - Coral Hibiscus - 5-6 ft
Jatropha
integerrima compacta - 4-5 ft
Clerodendrum
bungei - Glory Bower - tolerates shade, 4-5 ft
Eranthemum
pulchellum - Blue Sage, Lead Flower (prefers shade) - 4-5 ft
Magnolia figo -
Banana Magnolia - small tree, 6-8 ft
Megaskepasma
erythrochlamys - Brazilian plume (tolerates shade) - 5-6 ft
Tibouchina
lepidota - Ecuador Princess, Jules Dwarf - 3-4 ft
Leonotis leonurus
- Lions Ears - 3-4 ft
Also, for your further reference, check out the reference chart Hedges with Benefits Chart to see different flowering bushes that are great for hedges as well as garden specimens, depending on your specific needs.
Megaskepasma erythrochlamys - Brazilian plume.
Brunfelsia pauciflora Compacta - Dwarf Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow.
Leonotis leonurus - Lions Ears.
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:
Butterfly Bush: Fast, Pretty, Low Maintenance...
Five unbeatable reasons to plant Butterfly Cassia
Q: I am trying to find some easy flowering shrub to screen the ugly corner of my neighbor's yard, can you suggest something fast growing and pretty?
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.
Avocado shrimp boats: Quick-n-Fun exotic recipes
🟢Halve an avocado, scoop out a little extra.- 🟢Fill with sauteed shrimp tossed in garlic-lime butter.
- 🟢Enjoy instant tropical feast!
🛒 Grow your own Avocado tree
Avocado shrimp boats: Quick-n-Fun exotic recipes
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Halve the avocados and scoop out a little extra to make room.
- Sauté shrimp in butter with garlic and lime juice until pink and cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Fill avocado halves with shrimp mixture.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
#Food_Forest #Recipes #Avocado
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What is a good plant for a fragrant elegant hedge? Discover the Angel Hair Jasmine
Jasminum pubescens (multiflorum) - Angel Hair Jasmine
Jasminum pubescens (multiflorum) - Angel Hair Jasmine
Jasminum pubescens (multiflorum) - Angel Hair Jasmine
Jasminum pubescens (multiflorum) - Angel Hair Jasmine
- 💮 Jasminum pubescens (multiflorum), also known as Angel Hair Jasmine, is a beloved choice for landscapes, prized for its multitude of exceptional qualities.
- 💮 Bushy, dense vining shrub with star-like white flowers emitting a delightful fragrance.
- 💮 Soft, velvet-like leaves add to its charm.
- 💮 Rapid growth makes it ideal for creating lush hedges or adding vertical interest to garden spaces.
- 💮 Perfect for hedges, fences, or trellises, adding a touch of beauty and fragrance to any outdoor setting.
🛒 Make a fragrant hedge with Angel Hair Jasmine
#Hedges_with_benefits #Perfume_Plants
🏵 TopTropicals
How to make healthy food taste delicious? Longevity Spinach Super-food Recipes
- ☘️ Gynura procubens (Longevity Spinach, Okinawa Spinach) is one of the Superfoods, known for its longevity-promoting properties in traditional medicine.
- ☘️ Native to Indonesia, commercially grown in China. It is a relatively hardy perennial that once planted, you will have these healthy greens for many years!
- ☘️ Both the stems and the leaves are edible and nutritious, can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a unique flavor with a faint hint of pine, and will add a beautiful aesthetic element to cuisine.
- ☘️ This green is also known as cholesterol spinach, and there are many claims that it lowers can cholesterol.
- ☘️ Perfect for hot and humid climates unlike traditional Spinach that only grown in cooler areas. It will thrive in any type of soil, any type of light other than dark shade, and is pest-free.
- ☘️ Very adaptable to container gardening and even grows well on a windowsill.
- ☘️ The leaves and young shoot tips can be steamed, used in stir fry, tempura, stews, and soups. Just add them at the very end.
Check out the recipes⬇️⬇️⬇️
📚 Gynura: Longevity Spinach Superfood Recipes
🎥 Best Hot Weather Spinach Crops - Longevity and Okinawa Spinach
🛒 Plant Longevity Spinach and live long
#Food_Forest #Recipes #Remedies
🏵 TopTropicals
Avocado coconut popsicles: Quick-n-Fun exotic recipes
- 🔵Puree avocado with coconut milk and sugar.
- 🔵Pour into molds and freeze.
- 🔵Enjoy the creamiest tropical ice pops ever!
🛒 For home-grown ingredients you will need:
Home grown Avocado
Home grown Coconut
Avocado Coconut Popsicles
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
Instructions
- Puree avocado with coconut milk and sugar.
- Pour into molds and freeze.
- Enjoy the creamiest tropical ice pops ever!
#Food_Forest #Recipes #Avocado
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Do you have Longevity Spinach in your garden?
Gynura crepioides - Okinawa Spinach, Purple leaves
Longevity Spinach (Gynura)
Gynura crepioides - Okinawa Spinach, Purple leaves
Gynura crepioides - Okinawa Spinach, Purple leaves
- Longevity Spinach (Gynura) is a leafy green plant known for its mild flavor and nutritional benefits. It is one of the Superfoods, known for its longevity-promoting properties in traditional medicine. There are two varieties - Green (Gynura procubens) and Purple leaves (Gynura crepioides - Okinawa Spinach).
- It's often used in Southeast Asian cuisine, added to soups, stews, and salads for its health-promoting properties, including immune support and improved digestion.
- It is prized for being easy to grow and rich in vitamins and antioxidants. This green is also known as cholesterol spinach, and there are many claims that it lowers can cholesterol.
- Perfect for hot and humid climates unlike traditional Spinach that only grown in cooler areas. It will thrive in any type of soil, any type of light other than dark shade, and is pest-free.
- Very adaptable to container gardening and even grows well on a windowsill.
- The leaves and young shoot tips can be steamed, used in stir fry, tempura, stews, and soups. Just add them at the very end.
Check out the recipes⬇️⬇️⬇️
📚 Learn more:
5 most useful edibles for tropical garden
How to make healthy food taste delicious: Longevity Spinach Super-food Recipes
Gynura: Longevity Spinach Superfood Recipes
🎥 Best Hot Weather Spinach Crops - Longevity and Okinawa Spinach
🛒 Plant Longevity Spinach and live long
#Food_Forest #Recipes #Remedies
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Lalot beef wraps: Quick-n-Fun exotic recipes
- 🔵Mix ground beef with garlic, shallots, and fish sauce.
- 🔵Wrap spoonfuls in Lalot leaves (Piper sarmentosum - Vietnamese pepper)
- 🔵Pan-sear or grill, until the leaves are crisp
- 🔵Serve with rice or noodles
🛒 Grow Lalot Papper for tasty, peppery recipes
#Food_Forest #Recipes
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