Plants
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke'
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke' is a self-pollinating blueberry bush known for its high yields of large berries. It has low chilling requirements and is tolerant of drought and root rot. The plant is resistant to several diseases, including powdery mildew and fruit rot. It features semi-evergreen foliage with glossy, dark green leaves and small pink flowers in late spring. Minimal pruning is required, and it grows well in various soil types, making it a versatile choice for home gardens.
Crinum macowanii
Crinum macowanii is a striking bulbous plant native to Africa, known for its large, fragrant white flowers with dark pink stripes. It grows naturally in moist grasslands and along rivers, reaching up to 2 feet in height. This plant is valued for its traditional medicinal uses, though it is threatened by overharvesting. Its foliage forms rosettes of blue-green leaves, and it is adaptable to both moist and drought conditions. Crinum macowanii is a beautiful addition to gardens, attracting butterflies and adding a touch of exotic elegance.
Utricularia blanchetii
Utricularia blanchetii is a perennial bladderwort with small, narrow leaves and tiny bladder traps for catching small critters. It produces lilac-colored flowers with dark purple tops and bright yellow throats in spring and fall. This plant prefers sandy peat that is constantly moist and is ideal for terrariums and greenhouses.
Buddleja 'Blue Chip'
This plant is known for its attractive foliage and stunning fragrant flowers. It has narrow, elongated lush green leaves and dark purple flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. It thrives in hardiness zones 5-9, prefers full sunlight, and requires well-draining soil. It matures to 2-3 feet tall and wide with a dense habit.
Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanille Fraise'
Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanille Fraise' is a showy shrub with blooms that transition from creamy white to strawberry pink from late summer to fall. It has strong green foliage and thrives in full sun to partial shade, adding vibrant color to gardens during the cooler months.
Hydrangea serrata 'Hokaido'
Hydrangea serrata 'Hokaido' is a lacecap hydrangea with pale, slightly rough leaves. Its blooms start as pale pink or purple and age to a deep red, providing a striking display in gardens.
Opuntia monacantha
Opuntia monacantha, also known as the drooping prickly pear, is a hardy, drought-tolerant cactus native to South America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and is one of the few cacti with white-variegated stems. This fast-growing plant thrives in sunny areas with well-draining, porous soil and requires minimal watering. It is frost-sensitive and cannot survive temperatures below 32°F. Opuntia monacantha produces stunning red flowers and is well-suited for container growth. It is best propagated by cuttings and prefers a cactus mix soil with added organic matter.
Alocasia 'Flying Squid'
Alocasia 'Flying Squid' is a unique houseplant with long, stem-like leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate medium-light conditions, making it a versatile addition to indoor plant collections.
Cibotium barometz
Cibotium barometz, a tropical tree fern, is notable for its golden iridescent hairs and brown trunks that can reach up to 10 feet tall. Native to parts of China and the Malay Peninsula, it thrives in well-drained media and partial shade. This fern is often used in folk medicine and is a striking addition to tropical gardens.
Monstera 'Esqueleto'
Monstera 'Esqueleto' is a tropical climbing plant celebrated for its large, fenestrated leaves that can grow over 36 inches long. This easy-to-care-for indoor plant thrives in moist, well-draining soil and requires semi-bright, indirect light. Its striking leaf pattern makes it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts seeking a dramatic addition to their collection. The plant prefers moderate humidity and is well-suited for indoor environments.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Splash'
Hoya pubicalyx 'Splash' is a fast-growing vining plant with thick, variegated silvery leaves. It blooms with fragrant flowers and requires 6-8 hours of indirect bright light. The plant thrives in high humidity and should be watered when the soil dries out. It can reach an average growth of 8-10 feet at maturity, making it a popular choice for indoor hanging displays.
Aglaonema 'Maria'
Aglaonema 'Maria' is a tropical indoor plant with evergreen foliage, featuring dark green leaves with light green chevron spots. It grows up to 2-3 feet tall and prefers warm, humid environments with bright indirect light. This plant is easy to care for, requiring water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
Triticum aestivum
Triticum aestivum is a Dutch heirloom wheat known for its superior blue color and long black awns. While it is edible, it is primarily grown for ornamental purposes due to its beautiful seed heads and durable stems. This wheat is ideal for flower arrangements and crafts.
Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia is a North American native perennial known for its pink or purple flowers with orange centers. It blooms from late spring to mid-summer and is drought-resistant. This plant attracts butterflies and is valued for its medicinal properties.
Jasminum sambac
Jasminum sambac is a tropical evergreen shrub or vine that can grow up to 9.8 feet tall and wide. It features glossy dark green leaves and white flowers that may bloom throughout the year. This plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it a low-maintenance option for gardens. Its non-toxic nature makes it safe for pets, and it is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Rivina humilis
Rivina humilis is an evergreen perennial native to the southern United States and tropical regions. It features glossy, bright red berries and flowers on racemes. This plant is tolerant of full shade and saline soils, making it a versatile groundcover.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Heinrich Seidel'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Heinrich Seidel' is a vigorous grower known for its rare color stages, transitioning from cherry red to violet to blue. It is a heavy bloomer with sturdy stems, flowering from mid to late season, and adds vibrant color to any garden.
Plectranthus amboinicus 'Ocher Flame'
Plectranthus amboinicus 'Ocher Flame' is an aromatic evergreen shrub with striking yellow variegated leaves and an oregano-like scent. It thrives in full sun to light shade and requires regular watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Phlox drummondii 'Cherry Caramel'
Phlox drummondii 'Cherry Caramel' is a charming annual with creamy-beige flowers featuring dark cherry centers. This plant is deer resistant and attracts pollinators and hummingbirds, making it a delightful addition to any garden. It may pause blooming during intense summer heat but is recognized for its unique color combination, earning the 2009 Fleuroselect Novelty Award.
Dudleya greenei
Dudleya greenei is a drought-tolerant succulent that thrives in sunny areas with porous, well-draining soil. It requires little watering and benefits from periods of drought between waterings. Sensitive to freezing temperatures below 40°F, this plant is best suited for warm climates.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Let's Dance Blue Jangles'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Let's Dance Blue Jangles' is a compact hydrangea with strong stems that blooms on both new and old wood. Its flower color varies with soil pH, offering a range of hues from blue to pink. This plant is hardy in various climates and is ideal for gardeners seeking a reliable, colorful addition to their landscape.
Frithia pulchra
Frithia pulchra, commonly known as 'Fairy Elephant's Feet', is a stemless succulent native to South Africa. It features bulbous oblong leaves and magenta and white daisy-like flowers that bloom in winter. This plant is vulnerable and can shrink beneath the soil during droughts, requiring full sun to partial shade and protection from frost.
Homalocephala texensis
Homalocephala texensis, also known as the Horse Crippler or Devil's Pincushion, is a winter-hardy cactus native to the southwestern United States. It features blue-green color and long, arching spines, with pink daisy-like flowers that have red centers. This cactus requires good winter drainage and is well-suited for rock gardens.
Rhododendron 'Southgate Breeze'
Rhododendron 'Southgate Breeze' is an evergreen shrub known for its blush pink buds and powder-white blossoms with berry red blotches. It grows slowly to a mature size of 4-5 feet in height and width and is more heat tolerant than traditional rhododendrons. This plant prefers part sun to shade and slightly acidic soil with good drainage, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
Encyclia phoenicea
Encyclia phoenicea is an orchid native to Central and South America, characterized by its star-shaped reddish-orange flowers. It prefers bright, indirect light and requires good air circulation and humidity.
Opuntia santa-rita
Opuntia santa-rita, commonly known as the Santa Rita prickly pear, is a bushy succulent shrub native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It features striking reddish or violet-purple pads and bright yellow flowers that bloom from April through August. This frost-hardy plant can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and 3 meters wide, thriving in full sun or partial shade. It requires regular watering in summer and dry conditions in winter, making it suitable for USDA zones 6-10.
Geogenanthus poeppigii
Geogenanthus poeppigii is a decorative houseplant from the Amazon, known for its wavy-edged leaves with vibrant green patterns. It requires bright, indirect light and high humidity, making it ideal for indoor environments. This compact plant grows around 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide, adding a touch of the tropics to any space.