Plants
Mazus radicans
Mazus radicans is a creeping wetland herb native to New Zealand, known for its prostrate branches that root at nodes. It features brownish leaves and tiny purple and white striped flowers in spring. This plant thrives in moist environments and is suitable for woodland gardens.
Hydrangea quercifolia
Hydrangea quercifolia, native to the southeastern United States, is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its large, showy white flower heads. It can grow between 3 to 12 feet tall and features leaves that turn vibrant red, bronze, and purple in the fall. The flowers, which vary in color from creamy white to pink or brown, are borne in erect panicles and have a pleasant scent. This plant prefers well-drained, shady slopes and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Geranium maculatum
Geranium maculatum, commonly known as wild geranium, features charming pink to lilac blooms with dark veins that attract pollinators like butterflies. This perennial is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8 and spreads through rhizome-like roots and seeds, making it an excellent ground cover option. It thrives in well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade. The plant is also deer and rabbit resistant, adding to its appeal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance options. Its unique seed pods, known as cranesbills, add an interesting element to its lifecycle.
Astrophytum asterias
Astrophytum asterias, native to Texas and Mexico, is a small, round, spineless cactus with a unique appearance. It features yellow flowers with red bases and green to pink oval fruits. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny areas and requires porous, well-draining soil.
Lilium pyrophilum
Lilium pyrophilum is a lily species endemic to the Sandhills region of the US, known for its rhizomatous bulbous root system. It grows up to 4 feet tall with pendent orange flowers that have a yellow throat and dark brown spots. This plant benefits from regular brush fires and attracts pollinators like ruby-throated hummingbirds and Palamedes swallowtail butterflies.
Arisaema utile
Arisaema utile is a striking plant found in the Himalayan rocky woodlands, growing at elevations of 8,000-13,000 feet. It features an 18-inch tall stem with three-lobed foliage and a bright ruby-red spathe with a whip-like appendage.
Lycaste macrophylla
Lycaste macrophylla is a terrestrial orchid native to Central and South America, known for its showy flowers with a distinctive lip shape. It thrives in humid and shaded environments, making it a unique addition to collections of exotic plants. The alba variety features white flowers, adding a touch of elegance to orchid displays.
Tropaeolum majus 'Black Velvet'
Tropaeolum majus 'Black Velvet' is a unique variety of nasturtium with edible flowers that are a striking ruby-black color. This plant is known for attracting pollinators and adds a dramatic touch to gardens.
Episcia fimbriata 'Blue Heaven'
Episcia fimbriata 'Blue Heaven' is a tropical plant native to Central and South America, known for its very fuzzy green leaves. It adapts well to vivarium life, preferring moist but not wet conditions and high light. This plant dislikes standing water on its leaves and is easily propagated in sphagnum moss. Its unique texture and adaptability make it a popular choice for terrariums and indoor gardens.
Hoya 'Chelsea'
Hoya 'Chelsea' is a slow-growing plant with thick, round green leaves and beautiful flowers. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, requiring water only when the soil is dry, making it a low-maintenance houseplant.
Guarianthe aurantiaca
Guarianthe aurantiaca is an orchid species native to Central America, known for its bright orange-yellow fragrant flowers that last several weeks. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with bright, indirect light and requires a well-draining mix. This orchid is a striking addition to collections, offering vibrant color and fragrance.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest living tree species, is renowned for its unique fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. This resilient tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and is tolerant of urban conditions, thriving in a variety of soils. It is dioecious, with separate male and female trees, and is often planted for its ornamental value and historical significance.
Begonia 'Five And Dime'
Begonia 'Five And Dime' is a smaller begonia with silvery leaves that thrives in bright, indirect light. It requires well-draining soil and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. This plant is ideal for terrariums and vivariums, adding a touch of elegance with its unique foliage.
Rhododendron 'Robleg'
Rhododendron 'Robleg' is a re-blooming shrub known for its pure white flowers and deep evergreen foliage. This plant thrives in light shade or full sun, requiring 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. The shrub attracts butterflies and produces bicolor coral pink blossoms with soft white edges, adding vibrant color to gardens. Its glossy, rounded oval leaves and ability to re-bloom throughout the growing season make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.
Carex buchananii
Carex buchananii, also known as Leatherleaf dead sedge, is a reddish-brown, densely tufted sedge endemic to New Zealand. It forms a tight, evergreen clump of fine-textured bronzy foliage and grows well in moist habitats. This plant is considered 'At Risk - Declining' in New Zealand but has become naturalized and invasive in the UK.
Epipremnum 'Global Green'
Epipremnum 'Global Green' is a rare, fast-growing houseplant with variegated green leaves. It thrives in bright indirect to medium light and is low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for indoor gardening. This plant adds a touch of greenery to any space with its unique foliage.
Tagetes lemmonii
Tagetes lemmonii, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, is a hardy shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall. It is known for its fragrant foliage and small orange and yellow flowers that bloom from fall into spring. This drought-tolerant plant can withstand light frosts and is suitable for sunny locations.
Anthurium superbum
Anthurium superbum, also known as the Bird's Nest Anthurium, is a tropical plant native to the rainforests of Ecuador. It features large, dark green, lance-shaped leaves with a glossy texture and prominent veining. The plant's rosette form is adapted to catch debris and water, making it well-suited for humid environments with indirect light. Its ornamental value and unique leaf structure make it a popular choice for indoor gardening and tropical landscapes.
Hedera helix 'Kolibre'
Hedera helix 'Kolibre' is a climbing, evergreen shrub with small, triangular, cream-marked grey-green leaves. It is fast-growing and serves as an excellent screen or ground cover, thriving in low light and acting as an air purifier.
Boesenbergia hamiltonii
Boesenbergia hamiltonii is a unique perennial found in the moist mountain forests of northeast India. It features pleated, canna-shaped leaves and striking white flowers with a carmine face. This plant is remarkably hardy, surviving temperatures as low as 9°F. It thrives in part sun to light shade and is known for its drought tolerance. The plant's tropical appearance makes it a standout in any garden, and it is suitable for both sun and shade perennial gardens.
Amorphophallus paeoniifolius
Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, commonly known as Elephant Foot Yam or Stink Lily, is a tropical plant with green marbled fleshy petioles and giant peony-like leaves. It produces a unique flower with a putrid smell that attracts pollinators. This plant is cultivated for its edible tubers and used in traditional dishes.
Nepenthes gracilis
Nepenthes gracilis is a vigorous growing tropical pitcher plant native to the lowlands of Borneo and Sumatra. It features dark and spotted forms with slender, light green lower traps and elongated upper pitchers with dark red to brown speckles. This carnivorous plant thrives in warm, humid environments and is known for catching large insects like stink bugs and wasps.
Aglaonema 'Rubi'
Aglaonema 'Rubi' is an easy-care houseplant known for its large, ovate-shaped green leaves with deep red veining. It is an air-purifying plant that thrives in low-light conditions, making it ideal for indoor environments. Its striking foliage and low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their home with greenery.
Nerine filifolia
Nerine filifolia is an amaryllid from South Africa, hardy in Zone 7. It features narrow, onion-like foliage and rosy-pink flowers resembling dwarf surprise lilies. This plant blooms from early October through November and is suitable for sun to light shade areas.
Lepismium cruciforme
Lepismium cruciforme is a drought-tolerant cactus that thrives in ample light, ideally in a south-facing location. It requires porous, well-draining soil and minimal watering, with periods of drought between waterings. This plant can withstand temperatures as low as 40°F, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor cultivation.
Malvaviscus penduliflorus 'Variegata'
Malvaviscus penduliflorus 'Variegata' is a perennial evergreen shrub native to tropical Mexico, featuring pendulous flowers and variegated leaves. It thrives in full sun and tolerates partial shade, making it a colorful addition to tropical gardens.