Clusia rosea in recent years has been mostly planted as a hedge plant to replace all of the Ficus benjamina hedges in South Florida that were decimated with white flies and thrips. However, as a stand-alone specimen tree in the landscape, as it naturally grows, it is far more spectacular. With its prop roots hanging…
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Aechmea blanchetiana is a large clumping terrestrial bromeliad that is very colorful when grown in full sunlight. It has bright orange leaves that will contrast nicely with any dark green foliage in the garden. It also has very colorful flower spikes which can reach 3-4′ above its leaves. It can bloom any time during the…
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Pithecellobium keyense is a Florida native occurring as far north as southern Martin County and going south through Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. It is a small multi-trunk tree reaching 12-15′. The flowers are small pinkish white puff balls that are somewhat fragrant attracting bees and butterflies. The seed pods are green pealike…
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Gaura lindheimeri ‘Karalee Petite Pink’ is a very interesting low growing perennial plant for full sun. This perennial is an excellent border plant with colorful foliage consisting of long strap-like leaves in a tight rosette. The leaves can be green, green and burgandy, or deep burgundy depending on light levels. The flower spikes are 10-14″…
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Two Florida natives that are categorized as small trees or large shrubs which can be grown in full sun or shaded locations. Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides), can attain a height of 10-16′ and is found throughout central and southern Florida. It has clusters of white flowers and blooms heaviest in spring and fall, followed by clusters…
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