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
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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.
What edible plants and herbs can reduce your blood pressure. Tropical fruit and plants that help keep blood pressure in balance
Edible plants and herbs reducing blood pressure
Part 2: What edible plants and herbs can reduce your blood pressure?
Continued from previous post ⤴️
- 🌿 Moringa (Moringa oleifera, Horseradish tree) - Contains potassium and antioxidants, shown in studies to help reduce blood pressure.
- 🌿 Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii) - Traditionally used for blood sugar and blood pressure regulation; contains cardio-protective compounds.
- 🌿 Hibiscus sabdariffa (Karkade) - Famous for hibiscus tea, clinically shown to lower blood pressure naturally.
- 🌿 Camellia sinensis (Tea Plant) - Green and black tea can support vascular health and slightly reduce blood pressure over time.
- 🌿 Turmeric (Curcuma) - Contains curcumin, which may support vascular relaxation and improve circulatory health.
- 🌿 Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis)- Contains antioxidants and vasodilating compounds that may support blood pressure regulation.
- 🌿 Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis) - Traditional uses include heart and circulatory support, with mild diuretic properties.
- 🌿 Piper sarmentosum (Vietnamese Pepper Leaf) and Piper betel (Betel Leaf) - Used traditionally to help with hypertension and circulation.
- 🌿 Cinnamon (Cinnamomum sp.) - May improve insulin sensitivity and support vascular relaxation, contributing to lower blood pressure.
- 🌿 Allspice (Pimenta dioica) - Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that support heart and circulatory health.
- 🌿 Ginger (Alpinia, Costus, Zingiber, etc.)- Known to help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can reduce blood pressure.
- 🌿 Wiriwiri and Biquinho Peppers (Capsicum sp.) - Their capsaicin content may support vasodilation and improve circulation.
🛒Shop tropical herbs and spice plants that boost your health
📚 Learn more:
Tropical fruit health benefits guide
#Disover more #Remedies and #Fruit_Forest
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
What fruit can reduce your blood pressure. Tropical fruit and plants that help keep blood pressure in balance
Tropical fruit that can reduce your blood pressure
Part 1: What fruit can reduce your blood pressure?
💲 You don’t need to spend $$$ on doctors and medications to stay healthy and young. By eating right and adding a few powerful plants and fruits to your diet, you can naturally keep your blood pressure in check. Plant them today and harvest your own medicine tomorrow! And don’t forget - gardening itself is therapeutic! It keeps you active, reduces stress, and helps your whole body stay in balance.
💚 Tropical fruit that help reduce blood pressure:
- ✅ Jackfruit (Artabotrys hexapetallus) - Contains potassium and magnesium, which help relax blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.
- ✅ Guava (Psidium sp.) - Rich in potassium and fiber, supports vascular health and may help lower blood pressure.
- ✅ Papaya (Carica papaya) - High in potassium and antioxidants, promoting healthy blood pressure.
- ✅ Banana (Musa sp.) - Well-known for its high potassium content, which helps counteract sodium and lower blood pressure.
- ✅ Pineapple (Ananas comosus) - Contains potassium and bromelain, which may support circulation and reduce inflammation.
- ✅ Persimmon - High in fiber and antioxidants, which can contribute to better heart and vascular function.
- ✅ Mulberry (Morus sp.) - Contains resveratrol and other antioxidants linked to heart health and blood pressure support.
- ✅Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Rich in potassium and fiber, may help regulate blood pressure and support arterial health.
- ✅ Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) - Contains potassium, aiding in fluid balance and blood pressure control.
- ✅🍒 Tropical Cherry (Eugenia) - Contains antioxidants and supports healthy circulation.
Part 2: Edible plants reducing blood pressure - see next post⤵️
🛒Shop tropical fruit trees that boost your health
📚 Learn more:
Tropical fruit health benefits guide
#Disover more #Remedies and #Fruit_Forest
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
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
Date:
What is lipstick made of? Lipstick plant!
Hedges with benefits
Q: What is the name of that plant that lipstick made of? Do you have it?
A: Bixa orellana - Lipstick Tree, Annatto or Achiote - is a bushy shrub or a small tree South America with large, impressive leaves, charming pink flowers and amazing... seeds! It is used in various industries, including cosmetics and culinary arts.
Natural Pigment: The seeds of the Bixa plant contain a natural pigment called annatto, which ranges in color from yellow to deep orange-red.
Cosmetic Use: Annatto is commonly used in cosmetics, including lipstick, due to its vibrant coloration. It adds shades of red and orange to cosmetic products. Extract derived from the Bixa seeds is mixed with other ingredients to achieve desired shades. It provides a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
Famous spice Annatto is widely used as a spice in cooking, particularly in Latin American, Caribbean, and Filipino cuisines.
Flavor and color: It imparts a mild, slightly peppery flavor and is prized for its ability to add a rich, yellow-orange color to dishes such as rice, stews, and sauces.
Health benefits: Beyond its culinary use, annatto seeds have medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Flower arrangements: The dried seed pods add a unique touch to flower arrangements, enhancing their visual appeal.
Hedge or screen: Ideal for use as a hedge or screen, Bixa requires frequent pruning to encourage bushy growth at the base.
Discover top 10 fruiting plants youll ever need for your health benefits
⁉️ I planted Mango and Avocado trees, and I still have room for more trees but want to use the space wisely. What other trees should I plant to get the most benefits out of the fruit?
✅ Everyone loves planting Mango or Avocado trees for their well-known benefits. But did you know that adding a variety of other fruit trees to your garden can expand those benefits even more? If you plant just one of each of these 10 trees, you'll have a complete spectrum of nutrients and health-boosting ingredients you ever need. With a diverse range of healthy fruits, you'll boost your diet, improve your health, and elevate your lifestyle.
By planting these 10 diverse fruit trees, you’ll not only enjoy a delicious and abundant harvest but also ensure your garden provides all the nutrients needed for a healthier, more vibrant life:
1. Guava
2. Coffee
3. Noni
4. Papaya
5. Banana
6. Dragon fruit
7. Tamarind
8. Surinam Cherry
9. Nescafe
10. Loquat
⚠️ Learn more about these 10 top fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits in our following posts... Stay with us and make sure to subscribe! ⬇️
🛒 Shop fruit trees
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Date:
Five benefits of growing your own Pineapple
Q: Can I grow my own pineapple fruit?
A: Growing a Pineapple plant - Ananas comosus - is a fun and rewarding experience that offers both visual and practical benefits:
1. Fresh, homegrown fruit: One of the main benefits of growing a pineapple plant is that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor by harvesting fresh, delicious pineapples right from your own backyard.
2. Aesthetic appeal: Pineapple plants are visually appealing with their long, spiky green leaves and bright, vibrant fruits. They can add a tropical, exotic touch to any garden or indoor space.
3. Low maintenance: Pineapple plants are relatively easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They can tolerate a variety of soil and light conditions and don't require frequent watering or fertilization.
4. Health benefits: Pineapple fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can provide a range of health benefits, including improved digestion, boosted immunity, and reduced inflammation. It is recommended to eat a slice of a pineapple after every meal to keep healthy digestive system.
5. Collectable varieties: The pineapple plant can be easily propagated by cutting off the top of a pineapple fruit. However, for those seeking excellent quality, it is recommended to choose superior hybrids from professional growers. Become the proud owner of "The King of Fruits" collection! It takes up minimal space and provides fresh fruit throughout the year.
Read more about Pineapple: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit - Pineapple.
Remember to add Sunshine Ananas fertilizer to your purchase for a long lasting Pineapple crop season.
