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!

A: There is a perfect plant specifically for Valentine's Day! When it comes to finding the ideal plant for an occasion, it doesn't get better than this one. The Sweetheart Hoya, also known as Valentine Hoya or Hoya kerrii, is not only easy to grow but also easy-ship, making it the most user-friendly of all houseplants. Its popularity has soared in recent years, thanks to its unique and quirky "heart" shaped leaves that appeal to everyone and bring smiles to faces. In addition to these charming leaves, the Sweetheart Hoya produces fragrant, beautiful flowers resembling tiny red stars. These flowers are not only stunning but also waxy, durable, and long-lasting.

Caring for the Sweetheart Hoya is a breeze, requiring only minimal attention. It can likely thrive with just one good watering a month - that's how hardy it is. While this plant prefers a reasonably well-lit room for optimal growth, it can still fare well in shadier spots, making it a versatile addition to any home or office. Don't wait till the last moment, get your Valentine's present now - the best one ever!

We have large developed plants, ready to bloom!
Buy one (for her/him) - get one free, for yourself!

Don't forget some plant food for it!

SUNSHINE Bombino - Young Plant Vigor Booster

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!