Date: 20 Jan 2026
Smokey and Sunshine
Smokey: Yes.
Sunshine: Another article?
Smokey: No.
Sunshine: Advice?
Smokey: Also no.
Sunshine: Just plants?
Smokey: Just plants. New arrivals and top picks by our horticulturist
Sunshine: Perfect. I just enjoy the plants and coffee. Hope everyone reading does too.
Date: 6 Feb 2026
💘Rooted love lasts longer than flowers
Smokey: Nope. Heart-shaped hoya. Flowers fade. Plants stay.
Sunshine: Alright. One for my Valentine. One for me, with coffee.
💖 Sweetheart Hoya: a Valentine gift that lasts
Sweetheart Hoya (Hoya kerrii) has thick, heart-shaped leaves and a compact form that fits easily on a windowsill, desk, or shelf. It does not need constant attention, bright sun, or frequent watering. In fact, it prefers a lighter touch.
This is a plant that works well indoors, grows slowly, and forgives missed waterings. It is comfortable in normal home conditions and does not require special tools or experience. That makes it a good gift not only for plant lovers, but also for people who have never kept a houseplant before.
Unlike flowers, it does not come with an expiration date. It becomes part of daily life and stays there quietly, doing its job. Over time, it feels less like a purchase and more like something chosen with intention.
For Valentines Day, Sweetheart Hoya is a simple, lasting way to give something real.
Sweetheart Hoya care: quick how-to
- Light: Bright window light is ideal. Avoid harsh, hot direct sun.
- Water: Let the potting mix dry between waterings. When you water, water thoroughly, then let it drain.
- Feeding: Light feeding during active growth helps. A balanced fertilizer like Sunshine™ Robusta keeps growth steady and leaves healthy.
- Pace: Slow-growing and patient. Do not overwater or overpot.
❓Sweetheart Hoya: quick FAQ
- Is it good for beginners? Yes. It is forgiving and does not need constant attention.
- Can it live indoors year-round? Yes, in bright indoor light and normal home conditions.
- Does it need flowers to be special? No. The heart-shaped leaves are the main feature.
- Learn more: What is the best Valentines Day gift that actually lasts?
Date: 23 Feb 2026
❄️ The Hardiness Report: February 2026 ❄️
🐾 Smokey & Sunshine’s real-world survival data from our Sebring, Florida Research Gardens. Smokey analyzed the data. Sunshine just stayed happy. Here is what they found.
Smokey: This is macadamia strength.
Sunshine: I should put a macadamia nut in my coffee and borrow some of that strength.
Smokey: Do not get too nutty yet. It still needs curing and cracking.
📊 Weather Data – February 1–6, 2026
Sebring, Florida – 132 years of recorded observations
This was not a light frost. It was a prolonged, windy, penetrating hard
freeze.
- 🌡 Minimum temperature: 25F
- ❄️ Wind chill: 14F
- ⏳ Duration: 3 nights of 8–10 hour hard freeze
- ☀️ Daytime temperatures: around 50F for 7 days
- 🌀 Wind: sustained 20 mph, gusts 40–50 mph
While all our plants in pots were protected in greenhouses, our in-ground plantings faced the freeze outdoors. We covered what we could. Even so, some plants were damaged, some died, and some surprised us by surviving.
In the next few newsletters, we will share the real survivors - the plants that proved themselves in the ground, under real conditions. Smokey and Sunshine have been out in the fields assessing the damage from the February 1–6 freeze. While many plants struggled, the Macadamia proved to be a true standout. This is how we grow them to handle the tough years.
Why does this matter? Because we have gotten used to warm winters, and this freeze was a rude awakening. Not everyone lives in Miami. If you garden in places where a real cold event can happen, you have to be prepared - and you have to plant what can take it.
🌰 Macadamia: Freeze Tested and Standing
When temperatures dropped to 25F with wind chill near 14F, our established macadamia trees remained upright, green, and structurally intact. Leaves held. Branches stayed firm. No collapse, no panic.
That is not luck. That is macadamia hardiness.
Often considered a "tropical luxury nut," macadamia proved it can handle more than many gardeners expect. In USDA Zones 9b-11, with proper drainage and site selection, it is not just ornamental - it is a long-term food tree with real resilience.
In a winter that reminded us not to take warmth for granted, macadamia earned its place on the survivor list.
The nut itself is famous for its strength. The shell is among the hardest in the nut world, requiring serious pressure to crack. Inside, the kernel is creamy, buttery, rich, and deeply satisfying. High in monounsaturated fats and naturally low in sugar, macadamias have long been valued both for flavor and for nutrition.
The tree is equally impressive. An evergreen with tough leaves and elegant spring flowers, it matures into a productive, manageable canopy. Nuts develop slowly over six to seven months. Production begins in a few years and increases steadily as the tree matures. Plant it once, and it can reward you for decades.
Cold will come again. It always does. The question is not whether winter will test your garden. The question is whether your trees are ready. Macadamia proved it is. If you are building a garden that feeds you for decades, this is a tree worth planting.
🛒 Add Macadamia Tree to your garden
Date: 8 Mar 2026
Happy March 8 - flowers, coffee, and cats!
Happy March 8 from cats Smokey and Sunshine
- 🌹 Today, March 8, a big part of the world celebrates International Women's Day. In many European countries it is also a celebration of spring, love, and new beginnings. The day when flowers appear everywhere, small gifts are exchanged, and warm wishes are shared.
- 🌹 Smokey and Sunshine decided they should not miss such an important occasion. Smokey arrived properly prepared with a bright bouquet, while Sunshine handled the essentials - coffee and donuts. And of course, no celebration at our place would be complete without plants.
- 🌹 So here is a cheerful March 8 greeting from our greenhouse crew!
Wishing love, happiness, and many beautiful days ahead to all women and to everyone lucky enough to have them in their lives.
🛒 Shop Flowers and Plants
🐈🐈 Learn more:
About Smokey and Sunshine
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Date: 7 Aug 2025
Randia formosa - Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree with Flowers and Ripe Fruit
You know how some plants just surprise you?
That's Randia formosa - the Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree. At first, it just looks like a cute little gardenia-type shrub. Glossy leaves, sweet white flowers. Nice enough. But then the fruit shows up… and you crack one open and go, “Wait - this tastes like jam?!”
And not just any jam - like real, fresh blackberry jam. No sugar, no cooking. Just soft black pulp inside this golden little fruit. It's weirdly satisfying. One of those things you make everyone taste just to see their face.
What's even cooler is how easy it is. This thing starts blooming and fruiting when it's barely 2 feet tall. You can grow it in a pot on your porch, or even inside if it gets enough light. And while most of your other plants take the winter off, this one keeps going - flowers, fruit, the whole show.
If you've got a spot with filtered light and a little curiosity, it's absolutely worth a try. Honestly, it's just… fun.
This rare South American evergreen shrub checks all the boxes: fragrant, compact, easy, and edible.
✅ Grows in pots ✅ Indoors ✅ Small yards
Randia formosa – Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree – FAQ
What is Randia formosa?
Randia formosa, also known as Blackberry Jam Fruit or Jasmin de Rosa, is a compact tropical shrub that produces fragrant white flowers and small yellow fruits filled with soft, black pulp that tastes remarkably like blackberry jam. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, the same as Gardenia and Coffea.
Why gardeners love Randia
- Delicious jam-flavored fruit – no sugar needed.
- Compact grower – perfect for patios and indoor spaces.
- Fast results – blooms and fruits within 1–1.5 years.
- Big yield in a small pot – 25–30 fruits at once!
- Fall–Winter performer – keeps going when others stop.
- Kid favorite – fun to grow, fun to eat.
What does the fruit taste like?
The pulp inside the fruit tastes just like fresh blackberry jam - sweet, tangy, and rich. It is edible fresh, without any processing or sweeteners, and is loved by both kids and adults.
How big does the plant get?
In the ground, Randia formosa typically reaches 4 to 5 feet tall. In containers, it usually stays smaller, around 3 to 4 feet, making it perfect for small gardens, patios, or indoor growing.
How soon will it fruit?
Very quickly! This is one of the fastest fruiting tropicals. Plants begin to flower and produce fruit within two years from seed. Еstablished plants in 3 gallon containers may begin fruiting at just 2 feet tall.
Does it need full sun?
No. It actually prefers filtered light or partial shade, especially in hot climates. Leaves tend to look healthier and greener when grown in dappled light.
Can I grow Randia formosa indoors?
Yes! Its compact size and shade tolerance make it an excellent choice for bright indoor spaces. Just be sure to provide good air circulation, high humidity if possible, and avoid cold drafts.
How cold-hardy is it?
Mature plants can tolerate temperatures down to about 26F for short period of time, but young plants are more sensitive and should be protected from frost. It is best grown outdoors in USDA zones 9b and up or kept as a container plant that can be brought indoors in winter.
What kind of soil does it need?
Randia formosa requires acidic, well-draining soil. Avoid alkaline soils, which may cause leaf chlorosis (yellowing with green veins).
How often should I water it?
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. It is sensitive to overwatering, especially in cooler weather. During winter, reduce watering. Underwatering may cause sudden leaf drop - but the plant usually recovers quickly once watered again.
What fertilizer does it need?
Yes. Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Regular applications of micronutrients (especially iron and magnesium) help prevent chlorosis. Foliar sprays can also be helpful. Apply Sunshine C-Cibus Booster or Green Magic controlled release fertilizer to keep your plant happy: Blackberry Jam Fruit is a heavy feeder!
When does it flower and fruit?
This plant can bloom and fruit for several months, often from summer through winter. It is known to bloom off-season, making it a fun and productive plant when others are dormant.
Are the flowers fragrant?
Yes, the white star-shaped tubular flowers have a light, sweet fragrance, similar to gardenias but less intense. The flowers open at night.
Is it self-pollinating?
Yes. A single plant can set fruit on its own, although insect activity can improve fruit set.
Are there any common problems?
The most common issue is chlorosis, which shows up as yellowing leaves with green veins - usually due to overwatering, poor drainage, or alkaline soil. It's fixable with acidification and micronutrients. The plant may also drop leaves suddenly if underwatered but tends to bounce back.
Is this plant related to Gardenia?
Yes. It is in the same plant family (Rubiaceae) as Gardenia and Coffee. That's why the flowers look similar and why it tolerates similar care needs.
Can it be used for bonsai or miniature tree styling?
Yes, due to its slow growth and branching habit, Randia formosa can be shaped into a miniature tree form and is quite attractive when trained.
Is it drought-tolerant?
Once established, it shows moderate drought tolerance. However, young plants need regular watering and are more vulnerable to drying out.