Plants
Glaucidium palmatum
Glaucidium palmatum is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial from Japan, prized for its large, pink, poppy-like flowers in early spring. It grows in cool, moist, sheltered positions and was named one of the top 200 plants by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Let's Dance Moonlight'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Let's Dance Moonlight' is a versatile hydrangea that blooms on both old and new wood. Its blossom color is influenced by soil pH, and it features sturdy stems that keep flower heads upright. Developed in Michigan, this plant is known for its cold tolerance and suitability for cut and dried flower arrangements.
Juniperus chinensis 'Spartan'
An evergreen tree with a conical growth habit, this plant has dense dark green foliage and matures to 10-15 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide. It handles heat, cold, and drought and is hardy from USDA Zones 4-9. It performs well in average-quality soil with good drainage and requires full sun.
Adiantum tricholepis
Adiantum tricholepis is a dainty fern native to central Texas, often found near rivers and streams. It features 18-inch long, arching fronds and prefers moist soil with a pH of at least 6.0. This fern is a smaller version of the more common Adiantum capillus-veneris.
Primulina linearicalyx
Primulina linearicalyx is a plant with long, slender leaves marked with lobes, producing lavender trumpet or bell-shaped blooms. It is suitable for indoor cultivation, adding a touch of elegance with its delicate flowers.
Nerium oleander 'Twist Of Pink'
Nerium oleander 'Twist Of Pink' is a resilient shrub with deep pink blooms and creamy white variegated foliage. It is drought, heat, and salt-resistant, making it suitable for challenging environments while adding vibrant color to landscapes.
Abelmoschus esculentus
Abelmoschus esculentus, commonly known as okra, is a heat-loving plant developed at Clemson University with dark green, grooved pods. This plant is related to hollyhocks and is known for its full-bodied flavor, making it a popular choice for culinary use. Okra attracts pollinators, which can enhance garden biodiversity. It thrives in warm climates and requires well-drained soil and full sun to produce a high yield. The plant is relatively easy to grow and can be a rewarding addition to vegetable gardens. Its pods are typically harvested when they are young and tender, and they can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to stir-fries.
Begonia paulensis
Begonia paulensis is a compact, shrub-like species from Brazil, known for its light green, puckered leaves with a spiderweb-like vein pattern. The leaf petioles are densely covered with white hairs. This begonia grows quickly in mild temperatures and prefers high humidity, making it suitable for terrariums. It is considered challenging to grow, recommended for experienced begonia enthusiasts.
Aloe juvenna
Aloe juvenna, also known as Tiger Tooth Aloe, is a miniature succulent native to Kenya. It features compact triangular leaves with cream-white spots and small teeth along the margins. This drought-resistant plant thrives in bright light and well-draining soil.
Microbiota decussata
Microbiota decussata, also known as Siberian carpet cypress, is a prostrate shrub native to the Russian Far East. It features soft green foliage that forms flat sprays and may turn bronze in winter. This drought-tolerant plant is an excellent groundcover for partially shady areas, spreading up to 4 feet wide and requiring good drainage.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Smhmtau'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Smhmtau' is known for its large mophead blooms that change color with soil pH, blooming from spring through fall. It has lush green foliage with serrated edges and grows to a height of 1-2 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet, thriving in USDA Zones 5-9.
Ipomoea batatas 'Ace Of Spades'
Ipomoea batatas 'Ace Of Spades' is a fast-growing sweet potato species from Brazil, known for its purple heart-shaped leaves. It requires minimal ventilation and humidity, thriving in moist soil and sphagnum moss. This plant is easy to propagate from stem breaks and adds a tropical touch to gardens.
Salvia glutinosa
Salvia glutinosa is a herbaceous perennial native to Central and East Europe and West Asia. It features bright green, hairy leaves and pale yellow flowers speckled with maroon, blooming from June to September. The plant grows in forested areas, preferring shade or partial shade, and forms a clump about 3-4 feet wide and 3 feet tall. Its sticky glandular hairs and unique flower coloration make it a distinctive addition to gardens.
Lepismium houlletianum
Lepismium houlletianum is an epiphytic cactus native to the subtropical and tropical moist forests of Argentina and Brazil. It is known for its cascading, pendulate growth and small bell-like flowers. This plant is threatened by habitat loss and thrives in its natural forest environment.
Begonia bowerae
Begonia bowerae is a small plant with chocolate to bronze-red leaves featuring bright green, paw-like markings. The leaf edges are adorned with white eyelash-like hairs, adding a unique texture. This plant is ideal for those seeking a distinctive foliage plant with ornamental qualities.
Nymphaea micrantha
Nymphaea micrantha is a water lily species with oval or round leaves and flowers up to 4 inches in diameter. It blooms from September to October and cannot be grown emersed. This plant reproduces asexually and forms natural hybrids.
Begonia 'Elephant Ear'
Begonia 'Elephant Ear' is a rhizomatous hybrid known for its giant leaves with a gray-green center and a silver band. This plant produces pink flowers throughout most of the year and prefers bright, indirect light. It belongs to the Begoniaceae family and is a cross of unidentified species U489 and B. sizemorea. The large, decorative leaves make it a standout in any indoor or shaded garden setting.
Diospyros kaki 'Chocolate'
This plant produces acorn-shaped persimmons that taste like chocolate pudding and are non-astringent. It grows to a height of 10-12 feet, requires 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, and prefers well-draining soil, beginning to produce fruit in 2-3 years.
Aglaonema 'Stars'
Native to Asia, this plant has deep green leaves with yellow specks and tolerates almost any indoor condition. It has larger leaves with unique patterns.
Yucca glauca
Yucca glauca, also known as small soapweed or Spanish bayonet, is a perennial evergreen native to central North America. It forms colonies of rosettes with long, narrow leaves and produces white to pale green flowers. This drought-tolerant plant is cold hardy and deer resistant.
Begonia 'U489 Sport'
Begonia 'U489 Sport' is a variety with light-colored leaves and a taller growth habit compared to other begonias. It requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it suitable for indoor environments.
Vitis catawba
The Hanepoot grape is a seeded variety native to South Africa, known for its dark purple coloring, juicy flesh, and thick skin. It has a tart mulberry-like flavor with a hint of black pepper and is commonly used in wine production. This grape requires at least 6 hours of sunlight and well-draining soil, with pruning done in the winter months.
Ficus carica 'Ge Neri'
Ficus carica 'Ge Neri' is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree native to the Mediterranean region, known for its robust foliage and long lifespan. The fruits can be eaten fresh or used in preserves, and the tree is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal pruning and plenty of sunlight.
Diospyros 'Nikita's Gift'
This plant is a hybrid of American and Japanese persimmon, known for producing large, succulent fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. It is a compact variety, growing to a height of 10-15 feet, and takes 2-4 years to bear fruit. The fruit is astringent and should be fully ripened before eating. It prefers full sunlight and is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-draining.
Crassula congesta
Crassula congesta, a monocarpic succulent, is native to South Africa and known for its soft, silky leaves. It grows erect with a single stem, reaching up to 4 inches in height. The plant produces flowers in shades of rose, mauve, pale yellow, and green. It is slightly frost-hardy and thrives in filtered or partial sun, making it a slow-growing yet charming addition to succulent collections.
Polygonatum biflorum
Polygonatum biflorum, or native Solomon's seal, is a graceful woodland plant with arching stems and thumb-sized green leaves. It produces clusters of light greenish-white bell-shaped flowers in mid-spring, followed by small blue berries. This slow-spreading plant is native to eastern and central North America and thrives in shade to partial shade with medium to wet soil. Its rhizomes, which resemble the seal of King Solomon, are edible and have been used in herbal medicine. The plant is not invasive and adds a touch of elegance to woodland gardens.
Hydrangea arborescens 'Hayes Starburst'
Hydrangea arborescens 'Hayes Starburst' features star-like florets that bloom from May until the first frost. It requires some sun for optimal performance and thrives in well-draining, sunny locations. The serrated leaves provide a striking contrast to the greenish-white blooms.
Alocasia 'Stingray'
Alocasia 'Stingray' is a tropical plant known for its distinctive foliage that resembles the shape of a stingray. It requires a warm environment and thrives in well-lit areas, though it should be kept out of direct sunlight. This plant is a striking addition to any indoor plant collection, appreciated for its unique leaf shape and tropical appeal.