Cold hardy

Also known as A. x hybridum Fireball, and Abutilon Biltmore Ballgown, this is one of the many lovely hybrids between A. darwinii and A. striatum, with maple-like leaves and bell-flowers whose petals are recurved, turning in slightly at the bottom. Flowers are fiery red, as one would imagine, with prominent red veins accenting the surface. Happy plants can reach 8-10 ft tall, though pruning easily adjusts the size. Best with plentiful summer water and fertilizer. Less hardy than many, preferring temperatures that only occasionally drop into the 20s F, USDA zone 9. Placement out of wind with overhead protection and plentiful mulch help in less than balmy climates.

Brazilian Bell-flower is a fun and easy-to-grow hummingbird magnet for the perennial border. In the garden or in a hanging container, it spreads to several feet wide in a single season. In the wild, Abutilon megapotamicum reaches 8' tall, but in cultivation arely exceeds 5' tall, and less when grown as a potted plant. During warm months, the plants are laden with cool 2" hanging lantern-like flowers composed of red calyces above the yellow petals, ending with its bright red privates dangling beneath... all carefully arranged between the thumb-sized green leaves.

Aristolochia gigantea var. Brasiliensis is one of the most outrageous flowers in the world. This species from Brazil has huge, over ten inches in length lemon-scented flowers and exhibits an elaborate pattern of white and mottled reddish brown. Since it is not a vigorous vine, it can easily be trained on a stake, trellis or even a hanging basket. A most interesting rare collectible.

Aster Tree, Snow Bush, White Cloud Tree. This unique plant is the only tree in Asteraceae family. The persistent white pappus of the infructescences remains showy for months after the plants stop blooming. The plant looks like a white cloud or covered with snow. Winter bloomer. Unusual shape leaves 1-2" wide. Can be grown as a large bush, trained into a small standard tree, or kept in a pot. Very hardy plant, tolerates drought and poor soils, and some freeze.

Cocoplum. Easy care shrub that is used often as ornamental or a hedge; it produces edible fruit. The mature fruits are 1 to 2 inches in length and ovoid or globular. The thin skin of the fruit varies from pinkish white, to red, to purplish black. The white, cottony pulp adheres to the single large ridged seed and is somewhat insipid in taste. The cocoplum is generally stewed with sugar after the skins have been removed. It can also be used for jelly and jam, and the seeds can be roasted as nuts.
The plant is highly tolerant of salt, so it is often planted to stabilize beach edges and prevent erosion.

Banana Zebrina Rojo, Blood Leaf, Red Leaf. This outstanding banana features large, variegated leaves with red splashes on top, burgundy undersides, and reddish stems giving rise to the name Blood Leaf Banana. It shows up well against solid green companion plants, and performs well in containers. It will overwinter nicely in colder climates and produces small red fruit.
The leaves are paddle-shaped and have green and red mottling on top, with a solid maroon color on the bottom. When grown in a container, the plant can be kept to a height of 4-6 ft, but can grow to be 5-8 ft tall when planted in the ground. The plant can be used as a focal point or in mass plantings in a garden, or grown in a container. It can also provide a backdrop for other smaller tropical plants.
See photos of leaves:
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See Article about Red leaf Banana.

This is a showy, natural green sport (reversion) from the red Bordelon. It grows the same way and will flower and set fruit, but without the red striping. Think of it as Bordelons green twin - still ornamental, just in a more classic banana look. Very vigorous and hardy plant.
Bordelon ornamental banana was first discovered in the Zone 8b Louisiana town of Bordelonville (near Alexandria). The 10-15' tall stalks are adorned with red-striped leaves that also feature an attractive red leaf back which is especially visible when the leaves unfurl. Based on trials around the country, M. Bordelon appears to be the hardiest of the red-striped varieties. If the growing point is protected in winter, M. Bordelon will flower and fruit, although fruits are seeded. It's cold-tolerant for a banana and can flower and fruit if protected in winter. Originally from Louisiana, it's a striking and resilient choice for Southern gardens and collectors alike. Excellent as a tropical accent or potted showpiece.

Not just leaves - this banana bears red fruit too! This Bordelon ornamental banana was first discovered in the Zone 8b Louisiana town of Bordelonville (near Alexandria). The 10-15' tall stalks are adorned with red-striped leaves that also feature an attractive red leaf back which is especially visible when the leaves unfurl. Based on trials around the country, M. Bordelon appears to be the hardiest of the red-striped varieties. If the growing point is protected in winter, M. Bordelon will flower and fruit, although fruits are seeded. Bordelon is a tall, hardy ornamental banana with bold red-striped foliage that adds instant tropical flair. It's cold-tolerant for a banana and can flower and fruit if protected in winter. Originally from Louisiana, it's a striking and resilient choice for Southern gardens and collectors alike. Excellent as a tropical accent or potted showpiece.
Watch a short video: Red Leaves, Red Fruit, Real Wow Banana!
See Article about Red Banana.