Date: 30 Jun 2021
Black Magic of Colocasias
Spectacular unusual plants
Q: I need something unusual to plant next to a small pond at my front yard. It is full sun location. I need a plant that is not too messy and doesn't require much maintenance. Preferably without flowers, so they don't drop into the water, and not too tall. Any suggestions?
A: Your ideal solution is - colorful Colocasia hybrids with
spectacular large leaves. Our favorite is variety Black Magic - it creates a magic tropical atmosphere. The color of the
leaves in full sun is dark purple, almost black, and the brighter the light,
the deeper the color.
Light colored varieties - Royal Hawaiian Maui Sunrise, with bright sunny stripes, or Illustris, in case you want to create a bright, mixed-color border
around your pond. Colocasias are perfect plants for perimeter borders, and
naturally are marginal plants around lakes and along river banks.
Photo above: for enhanced effect of your Black Magic Colocasias, use Black Magic Ti Leaf for the background planting... Cordyline fruticosa Black Magic
Date: 21 Apr 2021
Trimming Pomegranate Tree
Q: I purchased a Pomegranate var. Vietnam, 3 gal from you in Feb. Your lit says trim for the first 3 years to encourage new growth. How old is my tree, please? Would you recommend I trim before leaving for the summer on April 30?
A: The Pomegranate trees we have for sale are grown from cuttings and are about 2 years old. Once you plant the tree in the ground, it will start producing new shoots. You don't need to trim it now. The best time will be end of summer.
Date: 13 Apr 2021
Barbados Cherry:
equal to 65 oranges!
by Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
...If you are looing for a low-growing tropical fruit tree that's quite
colorful in fruit and starts fruiting right away - plant Barbados Cherry...
...Small, bright red, berry-sized fruit has a vitamin C content up to 65
times that of an orange! A single fruit contains the minimum daily recommended
vitamin C requirements...
...Barbados Cherry is very easy to grow and is generally free of pests,
diseases, and any problems. It is drought tolerant and requires very little
care. And the best part is, it will fruit for you right away! As small as 2"tiny
plant can bear fruit!..
CONTINUE READING >>
Date: 4 Apr 2021
Aglaia odorata:
A present from the Greek Goddess
by Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
...The plant's genus name comes from Greek mythology. Aglaia was the name of one of the three Graces.
Aglaia is the Greek goddess of beauty, splendor, glory, magnificence, and adornment...
...Aglaia
odorata produces highly perfumed, tiny yellow flowers almost year round - each about the size and shape of a grain of rice. They
grow in panicles about 2-4"long and are shaped like tiny balls but do not open when the flowers bloom. The scent exuded by Chinese Perfume Tree flowers is sweet
and lemony, with spicy undertones... Aglaia is a must have for every fragrant plant lover!
CONTINUE READING >>
Date: 18 Feb 2021
Red Stopper Cherry
Rare plant from Key West
by Mark Hooten, the Garden Doc
Eugenia rhombea, commonly known in Florida as "Red Stopper", is one of four
species of Eugenia native to North America. It is a beautiful small tree,
bearing small shiny deep green leaves which are pinkish-orange-red when young,
giving them the appearance of a flowering tree at a distance when flushing out
new growth a number of times a year.
Its native range includes Florida, Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola and part of
Eastern Central America. However, here in Florida, it is federally listed as an
endangered species, only known from the lowermost Everglades and Keys, where
even there it is rare.
These elegant little trees grow to perhaps 12 or so feet tall, developing
an elegant, umbrella shaped canopy. At a distance, they rather resemble Ficus
benjamina, yet with a more orderly and refined appearance. In addition, they
develop fluffy white flowers with a delightful fragrance, followed by
holly-like long lasting red berries which are relished by wonderful song birds.
Although appearing delicate, this tropical species is surprisingly hardy,
and would likely even make striking, a one-of-a-kind houseplant in the
North.
These very few plants were grown from seeds collected near Royal Palm
Hammock in the Everglades, and and may not be available again for some time...
