Plants
Kniphofia northiae
Kniphofia northiae is a robust evergreen perennial with curved leaves resembling an aloe and flowerheads of tubular florets that open to muted red. Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, it grows in soggy soil and cold mountain streams, performing well in dry sand and hot weather. This plant is hardy down to 14°F.
Vallisneria nana
Vallisneria nana, also known as Giant Val, is a fast-growing aquarium plant that serves as an excellent background feature. It thrives in nutrient-rich substrates and prefers moderate to high light conditions. With its tall, grass-like appearance, it adds a natural touch to aquariums and benefits from CO2 injection for optimal growth.
Codiaeum variegatum
Codiaeum variegatum, commonly known as garden croton, is a tropical evergreen shrub native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. It is prized for its large, colorful leaves that come in various shapes and colors. While it makes a striking indoor plant, its sap can cause skin irritation, and its seeds are toxic if ingested.
Echinacea pallida
Echinacea pallida, or pale purple coneflower, is a native plant of the central United States with narrow pinkish-purple petals. It blooms in mid-summer and serves as a larval host for the silvery checkerspot butterfly.
Carex annectens
Carex annectens, also known as yellow-fruited fox sedge, is a native North American sedge found in wetlands and damp areas. It forms dense clumps of narrow green foliage and features long leaves that surpass the height of its flowering stems. The plant produces yellowish-tan plumes that are visually striking and provide valuable seed heads for songbirds and waterfowl. This sedge is common in prairies and high-water table fields, making it a versatile choice for naturalistic landscapes.
Vaccinium corymbosum 'O'neal'
Vaccinium corymbosum 'O'neal' is a Southern Highbush Blueberry that is self-pollinating but benefits from additional pollinators. It grows 4-6 feet tall and wide, thriving in USDA zones 5-9 with at least six hours of direct sunlight. This blueberry requires moist, well-drained soil and benefits from acid-loving plant food.
Carex muskingumensis
Carex muskingumensis, known as Muskingum sedge, is native to the Midwestern United States and thrives in wet areas like swamps and low woods. This conservative species is found in areas with intact native vegetation and features stems that resemble miniature palm trees. It loves moisture and is a great choice for rain gardens or wetland areas.
Euphorbia spiralis
Euphorbia spiralis is a leafless, cactus-like succulent endemic to Yemen's Socotra. It features thick stems with paired spines, which can be straight or spiraling, and varies in shape from an open shrub to a cushion-like form, making it a unique addition to succulent collections.
Begonia 'Steve's Leaves Borealis'
Begonia 'Steve's Leaves Borealis' is a rhizomatous hybrid with small, shimmery silver leaves featuring toothed black margins and hints of bright green. It has a compact, mounding growth habit, with leaves about 1-2 inches long. This plant is a unique addition to indoor or shaded garden spaces.
Calathea picturata
Calathea picturata is a striking plant with silvery oval leaves bordered by dark green and a red wine underside. Known for its adaptability and low maintenance, it thrives in low light conditions. This plant is a popular choice for indoor settings, adding a touch of elegance with its unique foliage.
Aerangis hyaloides
Aerangis hyaloides is a miniature orchid native to the shady, moist forests of Madagascar. It produces 6 to 20 glistening white flowers, making it a captivating addition to any orchid collection. This epiphyte thrives in warm conditions and requires high humidity, making it ideal for terrariums or humid indoor environments.
Euphorbia ritchiei
Euphorbia ritchiei is a succulent spurge from Kenya, characterized by its thick, glaucous stems with tubercles. It forms thick mounds and branches primarily from the base. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-drained soil that dries between waterings.
Cattleya rex
Cattleya rex is a stunning epiphytic orchid native to Peru and Bolivia, renowned for its large, showy white flowers with vibrant yellow, rose, and red accents on the lip. This orchid blooms between December and March and is considered endangered. It thrives in temperate climates with high humidity levels of 50-70% and requires good ventilation. Cattleya rex is a captivating addition to any collection, offering a glimpse of its natural beauty and the delicate balance of its native habitat.
Begonia 'Micro Mo'
Begonia 'Micro Mo' is a hybrid plant with deep black leaves, smaller than its relative B. 'Mini Mo'. It thrives in bright, indirect light and temperatures between 45 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant grows 6 to 8 inches tall and prefers humidity levels of 40 to 60%. It should be watered when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Gloxinella lindeniana
Gloxinella lindeniana is a soft and fuzzy tropical plant native to Colombia, known for its showy flowers and frequent blooming in vivarium culture. It prefers intermediate moisture and light and grows quickly once established, making it a popular choice for tropical plant enthusiasts.
Graptophyllum pictum 'Black Beauty'
Graptophyllum pictum 'Black Beauty' is a plant that prefers bright, indirect light and temperatures between 75° to 85° Fahrenheit. It requires moist but not soggy soil and benefits from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This plant is known for its striking foliage and is suitable for indoor environments.
Thunbergia erecta
Thunbergia erecta is an evergreen shrub native to West Africa, known for its vibrant blue to purple flowers with cream throats. It can grow up to 15 to 20 feet, either climbing or twining, and is adaptable to various soil types and moisture levels. This plant is drought-resistant and can be used for hedges due to its ability to withstand regular clipping. It thrives in sun to partial shade and is cultivated worldwide for ornamental purposes.
Microgramma reptans
Microgramma reptans is an epiphytic fern native to Central and South America, including Ecuador. It features flat, thin green fronds and spreads via a creeping rhizome. The plant grows well in moderate, indirect light and high humidity, making it suitable for terrariums and as a ground sprawler.
Crinum lugardiae
Crinum lugardiae is a dwarf species from South Africa, forming compact mounds of glaucous green foliage about 1 foot tall. In summer, it produces 18-inch tall stalks of wide open pure white flowers. Known for its fertility, this crinum lily is a standout in gardens.
Philodendron wendlandii
Philodendron wendlandii is a vining plant native to Central and South American rainforests, featuring deeply lobed, velvety leaves with silver veining. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity, making it suitable for terrariums and hanging baskets.
Hoya memoria
Hoya memoria is a tropical plant from Indonesia, appreciated for its trailing or twining growth habit. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers temperatures between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This member of the Apocynaceae family is easy to care for, requiring watering only when the soil surface is dry.
Paeonia obovata
Paeonia obovata is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its striking dark rosy pink flowers that bloom in mid-May. It features deer-resistant, grey-green foliage and grows up to 18 inches tall. In October, its bright red seeds become visible as the pods burst open, adding ornamental interest. This plant is native to Asia and thrives in woodland gardens, providing a textural contrast to hostas and ferns. It has a unique polyploid complex, resulting in morphological variability. The plant's thick roots taper toward the tips, and its stems are hairless with yellowish-green to pink scales at the base. Paeonia obovata is also valued in traditional Chinese medicine and was introduced to Europe in 1900 by Ernest Henry Wilson.
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake' is a compact shrub reaching 5 to 6 feet in height, known for its large, double blooms that transition from white to pink. In the fall, its leaves turn a striking red, adding seasonal interest to gardens.
Baptisia alba var. macrophylla
Baptisia alba var. macrophylla is a long-lived perennial native to the Midwest, featuring blue-green foliage and lupine-like spires of pure-white flowers. It grows to a height of at least 4 feet and blooms in early to mid-April. This plant is rabbit-resistant and attracts butterflies, making it a valuable addition to sunny garden areas.
Tricyrtis formosana
Tricyrtis formosana is a rhizomatous perennial native to Taiwan, known for its clusters of orchid-like amethyst-purple flowers with dark spots. It prefers a couple of hours of sun and has bright golden foliage with a creamy-white edge.
Prosthechea grammatoglossa
Prosthechea grammatoglossa is an epiphytic orchid native to Central America, known for its pseudobulbs and long, arching leaves. It produces multiple intricately patterned flowers, thriving in humid forest environments.
Begonia 'Flamingo Queen'
Begonia 'Flamingo Queen' is a cane-like hybrid that can grow 3 to 4 feet tall if staked. It features large leaves with silver spots and bright pink flowers in clusters. This plant won the Alfred D. Robinson Medal of Honor in 2002, making it a notable choice for begonia enthusiasts.