Plants
Echinodorus 'Aflame'
Echinodorus 'Aflame' is an aquarium plant known for its leaves that range from green to red, with coloration enhanced by the addition of iron. This plant grows slower and stays smaller than other Echinodorus species, making it suitable for larger aquariums. It requires nutrient-dense soil and is a heavy root feeder, thriving under medium to high light conditions with CO2 supplementation. Its striking appearance and moderate care requirements make it a popular choice for aquarists.
Calathea zebrina
Calathea zebrina is a tropical plant known for its unique foliage patterns, with leaves that curl up at night. This plant is a popular choice for indoor gardens due to its striking appearance and pet-friendly nature. It thrives in low to medium light conditions and requires regular watering to maintain its vibrant leaves. Calathea zebrina adds a touch of the tropics to any indoor space, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
Agave flexispina
Agave flexispina is a winter-hardy succulent native to Mexico, featuring powder blue leaves with long red spines. It forms rosettes and occasionally offsets, remaining unblemished at 0°F in west Texas. This plant is drought-tolerant and suitable for rock gardens and xeriscaping.
Aeonium arboreum
Aeonium arboreum, commonly known as Tree Aeonium, is a succulent subshrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It features glossy, purple-tinged leaves forming rosettes and bright yellow flowers in spring. Native to the Canary Islands, it is grown under glass in temperate regions and requires well-draining soil and full to partial sun.
Palicourea tomentosa
Palicourea tomentosa is a tropical plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is distinguished by its unique red and black fruits that resemble cherries and emit a chocolate aroma, making them a potential ingredient for chocolate-flavored beverages. This plant serves as a food source for wildlife in its natural habitat.
Acer rubrum 'October Glory'
Acer rubrum 'October Glory' is a fast-growing red maple cultivar prized for its vibrant fall foliage. The tree reaches 40 to 50 feet in height and 25 to 35 feet in width, with a growth rate of 1 to 2 feet per year. It produces tiny red flowers in spring and 'helicopter seeds' in autumn. This maple is tolerant of various soil types and prefers slightly acidic, moist conditions.
Euphorbia caput-medusae
Euphorbia caput-medusae is a unique plant native to the Cape Town area of South Africa, known for its serpent-like stems emerging from a central caudex. It can sometimes exceed 1 meter in diameter and grows in deep sand or rocky outcrops. This plant's unusual appearance makes it a fascinating addition to succulent collections.
Begonia 'Alma Milliken'
Begonia 'Alma Milliken' is a cane-like hybrid with dark bronze leaves that have scalloped margins and may feature silver spots. It produces bright rosy pink flowers in large clusters and has a spreading growth habit. This begonia is suitable for hanging baskets, adding a touch of elegance to shaded areas.
Utricularia simplex
Utricularia simplex is a small, perennial carnivorous plant native to Western Australia, known for its single bluish-purple flower and lance-shaped leaves. It thrives in sandy peat and constantly moist conditions, flowering throughout the year. This terrestrial bladderwort is well-suited to peaty soils in heathland or swamps, with flowers less than 1/4 inch in size.
Pogostemon deccanensis
Pogostemon deccanensis is an aquarium plant originating from India, characterized by its thin, needle-like leaves. It requires moderate to high light and can benefit from CO2 injection, though it's not necessary. The plant can be grown submersed or emersed and is propagated by cuttings. It grows to a height of 10-20 inches and thrives in a pH range of 6.5-7.5.
Begonia masoniana 'Tricolor'
Begonia masoniana 'Tricolor' is a variegated variety with a distinctive brown iron cross in the leaf center and a creamy band to the margin. It prefers extra humidity and is often grown in terrariums.
Silene regia
Silene regia, commonly known as Royal Catchfly, is a striking perennial herb native to the tallgrass prairies of the American Midwest. It features bright red flowers that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. This plant grows from a basal rosette, with flowering stems reaching heights of 2.5 to 4 feet. It thrives in full to part sun and prefers well-drained soils. Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat loss and fire suppression. The vibrant blooms appear in June and July, making it a summer spectacle. As a rare native plant, it plays a crucial role in supporting local pollinators.
Cucumis melo ssp. flexuosus
Cucumis melo ssp. flexuosus, commonly known as Armenian cucumber, is a variety of melon with light green, thin skin. It is burpless, nearly seedless, and more heat tolerant than most cucumbers. This plant has a long production period, making it a reliable choice for warm climates.
Hydrangea barbara 'Barbara Ann'
Hydrangea barbara 'Barbara Ann' is a native climbing vine with white flowers in early summer. It features fuzzy clematis-like spent flower clusters and colorful leaf changes in fall, suitable for USDA zone 7.
Dryopteris scottii
Dryopteris scottii is a fern native to China, known for its rounded lobes on light green evergreen fronds. It has a bold appearance, making it a striking addition to woodland gardens. This fern thrives in light shade to full shade and is suitable for rain gardens and xeriscaping. Its evergreen nature provides year-round interest in the garden.
Juniperus virginiana
Juniperus virginiana, also known as Eastern Red Cedar, is a hardy, low-growing tree native to North America. It features dark blue-green foliage that turns plum in winter and produces dark blue, berry-like cones. This tree is drought-resistant, deer-resistant, and provides excellent wildlife cover. It is used for erosion control and thrives in full sun or partial shade.
Carex picta
Carex picta is a dioecious sedge native to North America, forming evergreen, tight-clumping tussocks. It grows 8 inches tall and 20 inches wide, with showy male selections that produce floral displays in early March. This plant is easy to grow in typical garden soils and is suitable for woodland slopes.
Philodendron bipennifolium 'Aurea'
Philodendron bipennifolium 'Aurea' is a vibrant indoor plant with neon yellow-green leaves and distinctive butterfly-like back-lobes. It grows well in pots, climbing a totem, and prefers bright indirect or filtered light. The plant tolerates temperatures from 45 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and requires the top two inches of soil to dry between waterings.
Beaucarnea recurvata
Beaucarnea recurvata, commonly known as the Ponytail Palm, is a unique succulent native to eastern Mexico. It features a swollen trunk for water storage and long, strap-like leaves that can reach up to 3 feet. Outdoors, it can grow up to 30 feet tall, while indoors it typically reaches 2-3 feet. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it a popular choice for indoor bonsai. It is drought-tolerant and slow-growing, with occasional small white flowers appearing after a decade. Not toxic to pets, it is recognized for its ornamental value and resilience in various conditions.
Sporobolus wrightii
Sporobolus wrightii is a perennial bunchgrass native to the United States, known for its tall stems and long leaves. It grows in plains, desert grasslands, and wetlands, providing erosion control and forage for wildlife. The plant is drought-tolerant and forms a clump of grey-green foliage with golden-bronze flower panicles.
Bucephalandra 'Apf Platinum'
Bucephalandra 'Apf Platinum' is a slow-growing aquatic plant native to Borneo, known for its white ivory leaves with a distinctive ripple pattern. It is adaptable to various water conditions and can be attached to driftwood or stones in aquariums. This low-maintenance plant thrives in a range of lighting conditions, making it a versatile choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Pride'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Red Pride' is a tomato plant known for its bountiful harvest and excellent disease resistance. It produces vigorous, compact plants with 10-ounce fruits, making it a reliable choice for home gardeners.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bodensee'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bodensee' is a medium-sized hydrangea that blooms twice in one season, with colors ranging from blue to pink. It is a heavy bloomer and thrives in afternoon shade, making it a versatile choice for gardens. Bred in Germany around 1950, it offers a classic appeal.
Rosa 'Meiggili'
This compact groundcover rose features soft peach blooms from mid-spring to late fall, with a low, spreading habit and strong disease resistance, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun.
Sedum sexangulare
Sedum sexangulare is a succulent perennial with shorter, denser leaves than Sedum acre. It blooms with yellow, star-shaped flowers in June and July and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for rock gardens.
Elettaria cardamomum
Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as cardamom, is a fragrant perennial plant in the ginger family native to southern India. It grows 2-4 meters tall and is cultivated for its seeds, which are used as a spice in various cuisines. This plant thrives in tropical regions and is suitable for woodland gardens.
Prunus 'Okame'
This hybrid cross between Prunus incisa and Prunus campulata produces bright pink blooms in early spring. It grows 20 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide, with a medium to slow growth rate. The tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and has a lifespan of 20-40 years.
Dierama igneum
Dierama igneum, native to South Africa, forms tight clumps of narrow iris-like foliage topped with 3-foot tall spikes of salmon-pink flowers. It requires good drainage and plenty of sun, making it a striking addition to sunny gardens.