Container garden

Auntie Lilli's South Sea Salad Bele Tree, known by the Latin name of Abelmoschus manihot, isn't a tree at all. It is in the botanical family Malvaceae, same as okra and the woody-stemmed hibiscus. It may have the growth of a shrubby tree due to its tropical nature, as it is native to tropical portions of Asia and also northern Queensland and can grow up to 9 feet tall when given the right conditions.
The South Sea Salad Tree has been a traditional green vegetable in Fiji for some time. It is grown as an tender ornamental perennial in Hardiness Zones 8-10. It does have a beautiful flower, but lesser known is the fact that both its flowers and leaves are delicious as well as nutritious! The laves are high in Vitamins A and C and Iron, and have 12% protein by dry weight. Leaves and flowers can be eaten raw in salads, and the leaves can also be lightly cooked similarly to spinach. Delicious, nutritious and a beautiful flower - talk about a perfect edible plant for tropical/subtropical landscapes and temperate annual gardens and patios.

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.

Aeschynanthus speciosus is perhaps the most spectacular species within its genus. Flowers may be 4 inch long, are orange with the inside of the mouth orange-yellow and with a dark red bar across the lower lobes which also have scarlet borders. The plant is displayed to best advantage in a hanging basket, where the broad surface area allows the trailing stems to root down at intervals and send out abundant side-shoots, perfect as hanging or trailing plant.
These plants require high humidity and warmth throughout the growing season, as well as strong, but not direct, light. These plants are perfect for a greenhouse, sunroom or conservatory.
Perfect for hanging baskets/pots to best display their lovely cascading stems and attractive flowers or in containers placed on a pedestal or windowsill. The plant can be kept in a bathroom window sill or kitchen for increased humidity.

Chinese Perfume Plant, Chinese Rice Flower, Mock Lemon - the fragrance is outstanding! The plant is slow growing, big size of the plant is hard to find.
See Article about this plant.

Frydek makes an outstanding potted plant for the home or garden. The mature, broad, velvety black leaves have striking white veins making this easy-care plant a real beauty. The juvenile leaves appear as bright lime-green and the pale leaf stems have a purplish jagged banding which adds even more intrigue to this eye-catching species. Strong grower resisting many of the winter decline issues that other Alocasias have.

Solid Gold is a giant Alocasia, easily growing to 6 ft high in good tropical conditions. It has glossy emerald green leaves up to 1 metre long held stiffly upwards, with prominent yellow veining on the underside of the leaves.
The striking and spectacular aspect of this plant is, of course, the buttercup yellow stems and veins on the undersides of the leaves. It is a bright and obvious yellow, not just a pale green or lemon color. The more light the plants receive, the brighter the stem and the darker the leaf will be. The stems of young plants are a lighter, greenish color until they get a few leaves; as they get older, the yellow color becomes more prominent.
This is a fast growing Alocasia and in good conditions. It grows larger in the ground than in pots - Alocasias seem to need a lot of room for their roots to get the huge leaves.

Alocasia Regal Shields has nearly black leaves with a burgundy underneath; a dark green topside and purple underside with lime green veins. The plant needs very little water. To keep it happy, mater moderately.

This very fast growing and easy care plant is an unusual looking Alocasia. It originates from Thailand. The rounded leaves have the normal lobed rear but come to a long point and truly resemble the body of a stingray complete with tail. Grows to 6 feet Dying back in colder climate. This still doesn't kill it. According to different sources it's hardy to Zone 8 or 9.

Alocasia Tiny Dancers is an unusual aroid that only grows about 14" tall with bright green stems and leaves that have a slightly cupped form. Its growth habit, however, gives the appearance of a full bushy plant as the stems emerge at different times, giving it a tiered effect. One of the best houseplants for its ease of care. Keep it moist, go light on the fertilizer and grow in a partially sunlit window if it is an indoor houseplant. It also makes an ideal plant for an outdoor patio due to its unique form.