The Lolita is a special form of Surinam cherry. Fruits ripen nearly black, turning sweet and rich without the resinous bite of the common red type. The taste is often compared to a mix of grape and cherry with a tropical twist.
Fruit Season: Mainly spring into early summer, often with a smaller second crop in fall
Plant Size: Usually 6–8 ft in the ground, 4–5 ft in containers
Container Friendly: Thrives in larger pots, stays compact with pruning
Pollination: Self-fruiting — no partner tree needed
Health Benefits
High vitamin C content for immunity and skin health
Antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
Fiber to support digestion
A versatile kitchen fruit — eaten fresh, made into jams, sauces, or desserts
Eugenias have earned a spot in many Southern gardens because they’re
easy, dependable, and surprisingly versatile. These small trees and shrubs
grow well in the ground or in containers, and they don’t waste time
before setting fruit.
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A: Only a few inches larger than the old one. Oversized pots hold too much
moisture and may cause root rot.
Q: Why are plastic pots better than
ceramic?
A: Plastic pots are lighter, easier to handle, and you can
cut them if a root-bound plant is stuck. Ceramic pots are heavy, breakable,
and often lack drainage.
Q: How do I safely remove a plant from its
pot?
A: Turn the pot upside down and let gravity help. Never
pull by the stems or leaves. If stuck, lay the pot on its side and squeeze or
tap it. Cut the pot if needed.
Q: Should I remove old soil from the
roots?
A: No. Roots have tiny hairs that absorb water and
nutrients. Shaking off soil damages them and sets the plant back.
Q: Why must the plant sit at the same soil
level?
A: Planting too deep suffocates the stem, and planting too
high exposes roots. Keeping the same level protects the root crown.
Q: How soon should I water again after
repotting?
A: Water thoroughly right after repotting, then wait until
the top inch of soil dries before watering again.
🌱 Done! Your plant now has room to grow stronger before fall.
After a busy summer of growth, many potted plants are bursting out of their containers. Now is the perfect time to step them up into a slightly larger
pot.
🌱 Why now in August?
Repotting before fall gives roots room to expand, while
there’s still warmth for active growth. Plants have time to sprout new shoots, fill out, and build strength before cooler weather slows them down.
✂️ Trim and Shape
This is also your last chance to give plants a light trim.
Pinching or cutting back helps them branch, bush out, and get denser — exactly what you want going
into fall.
👉 Watch our
on how to step up your plant the right way, then check your pots
— some of your summer growers are ready to move up!
⚠️ Important Note on Timing
This advice is for gardeners in warm climates or for anyone who still has at least a month of warm weather left. Tropical plants go dormant when
temperatures drop below 75F, so planting in a larger pot at that time may cause root rot — roots stop growing in dormancy, and extra moisture in the soil can lead to rotting.
Pick a pot just a few inches larger than the old one.
✅ Make sure it has good drainage — tropical plants hate sitting in water. A pot without drainage holes can cause waterlogging and root rot.
Why plastic pots are better than fancy ceramic
Ceramic pots may look pretty, but they are heavy, breakable, and often lack proper drainage. Plastic pots are lightweight, easier to handle, and — most importantly — if a plant is root-bound and stuck, you can simply cut the plastic pot
to free it without harming the roots. For looks, slip the plastic pot inside a decorative cover pot.
Why turn it upside down? Gravity helps loosen the plant, and it
slides out more easily without tugging.
Never pull a plant by its head (stems or leaves). That can damage the crown and tear
roots.
If it doesn’t come out easily: lay the pot on its side and
gently squeeze or tap the pot to dislodge the soil. If it is really stuck,
cut the old pot instead of forcing the plant.
Check the Root System
If roots are circling tightly (pot-bound), gently untangle or
loosen the outside layer so they will grow outward into the new soil.
Do not shake off or remove old soil from the root ball. Roots have
tiny hairs that absorb water and nutrients, and damaging them will set the
plant back. Keep the root mass intact and disturb as little as possible.
Set at the Same Level
Place the plant in the new pot so it sits at the same soil level as
before.
👉 This is important: burying the stem too deep can suffocate it,
while setting the plant higher than before may expose roots and cause drying.
Keeping the level the same protects the root crown.
Fill and Firm
Add more soil and fertilizer around the sides. Press lightly around the
edges to remove air pockets.
Water Thoroughly
Give it a deep watering to help roots settle.
Aftercare
Don’t water again until the top inch of soil feels dry.
Freshly repotted plants are vulnerable to soggy soil and root rot if kept too
wet.
🌸 Orchid Tree - Bauhinia: Winter Blooms &
Year-Round Beauty
Bauhinia blakeana, Bauhinia variegata var. candida, and
Bauhinia monandra – Orchid Trees in Bloom
Sometimes a plant stops you midwalk. Flowers so bright they almost glow,
leaves shaped like butterflies — that’s a Bauhinia, the Orchid Tree. These fast growers bring color when many
gardens are quiet, with some blooming in the heart of winter.
🌟 Why Grow
Bauhinia?
Exotic blooms in colors from white to deep magenta
Distinctive leaves — nature’s own butterfly design
Many varieties flower in the cooler season
Fast growth, easy shaping, more blooms after pruning
Varieties for large yards, small gardens, and sunny patios
Tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils
Bauhinia Care Tips
🌞 Outdoor
Full sun for best flowering, well-draining soil, deep
watering once established. Light pruning after bloom keeps shape and encourages
more flowers. Protect young plants from frost. During the growing season
(Spring - Fall), apply a balanced fertilizer - like top-dress slow release fertilizer or controlled-release Green Magic. Liquid fertilizer Sunshine Boosters Megaflor can be used year around - to promote
vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
🏡 Indoor / Patio
Bright sun (south window or outdoors in warm months), large
pot with drainage, even moisture during growth, and a bloom-booster feed in
season. Feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer controlled-release Green Magic. Liquid fertilizer Sunshine Boosters Megaflor can be used year around - to promote
vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Bring indoors before frost.
🍂 Seasonal Note – Bauhinias are
Deciduous
Bauhinias drop their leaves in winter — even in warm
climates. This is normal and part of their rest cycle. Bare branches in the
cool season will leaf out again in spring, often just as flowers begin.
Growing & Care
