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Butterfly
Iris
Dietes iriodoides is native
from South Africa to E. Africa to Kenya. Butterfly Iris is
a perennial iris that grows and spreads through rhizomes.
The leaves have a fan shaped growth habit and the plant can
get 12-24" in height and spread to 12". Butterfly
Iris will flower from spring and through the summer with white
flowers with a yellow stripe down the center on the petals.
The flowers look similar to butterflies hence the name Butterfly
Iris.
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Cherry
Laurel
A small evergreen tree rising 15 to 20 feet, with long,
spreading branches which, like the trunk, are covered with
a smooth blackish bark. Leaves oval, oblong, petiolate, from
5 to 7 inches in length, acute, finely toothed, firm, coriaceous,
smooth, beautifully green and shiny, with oblique nerves and
yellowish glands at the base. Flowers small, white, strongly
odorous, disposed in simple axillary racemes. Fruit an oval
drupe, similar in shape and structure to a blackcherry, the
odour of hydrocyanic acid may be detected in almost all parts
of the tree and especially in the leaves when bruised.
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Dwarf
Burford Holly
The Burford Holly is very tolerant to heat, likes the
full sun, needs regular water, prefers well drained soils,
slightly acidic, and tolerates alkaline soils. This evergreen
shrub or small tree grows 8 to 20 feet tall or more has glossy
dark green leaves, 2 to 4 inches long, up to 2 inches wide
that are cupped downward with a sharp point at the tip, and
occasionally one or two spines on each side. They also have
an abundance of showy large red berries, in the fall.
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Greenmound
Juniper
A low growing groundcover that reaches about one foot
in height. This plant carries a nice medium green color all
year. It is a male selection with no fruit. Like 'Blue Rug',
the growth habit is rapid, low with the long branches running
along the ground. Interestingly, this selection can have soft,
new branches wired into upright positions to form miniature
outdoor 'bonsai-like' specimens.
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Little
Gem Magnolia
The Little Gem Magnolia grows in a more compact and upright
form than other Magnolias; with elliptic to oval dark green
leaves with characteristic long rusty-brown undersides. The
small, white flowers bloom profusely in the early and late
summer. The Little Gem Magnolia grows to be 20-25 feet in
height and 10-15 feet in width. It likes full sun and has
medium water requirements.
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Live
Oak
An evergreen member of the oak family, the Live Oak is
a magnificent shade tree; however, its large, wide-spreading,
horizontal branches make it inappropriate for small properties.
The acorns of the Live Oak are eaten by many animals. It grows
to be a massive 30-40 ft. tall shade tree with evergreen foliage
that is bright olive-green when new and changes to a glossy,
dark green when mature. It tolerates soils ranging from light
sand to heavy and compact silt and clay. Tolerates a wide
range of moisture and soil conditions. It requires large area
for branches and roots to spread.
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Plumbago
Plumbago is from South America and is relatively fast
growing. It grows to a height of 36-48 inches with a width
of 30 inches in some cases. Imperial Blue (also comes in white)
has light blue flowers that are prolific during the warmer
months of the year. It requires full sun but will bloom in
partial shade and is frost tender. Blue Plumbago makes a wonderful
pot plant or patio plant in areas where frost occurs and the
plant needs to be protected. It like sun to partial sun and
has medium to low water requirements.
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Pyramid
Juniper
Junipers are evergreen coniferous plants with fleshy cones
and needlelike or scalelike leaves. They are very popular
woody plants because there is a form for almost every landscape
use. Junipers grow from 4 inches to 50 feet tall with a spread
from 6 to 20 feet depending on the species.All junipers generally
enjoy full sun and good drainage. They will grow in a variety
of soils but do not like their roots to be in waterlogged
soil. They tolerate adverse conditions and withstand heat
and drought much better than most ornamentals. Container-grown
junipers can be planted year-round.
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Savannah
Holly
Savannah Holly is a beautifully shaped tree, with a
narrow, open pyramidal to columnar form. A 35-foot-tall
tree can be eight feet wide in 40 years, indicating a moderate
growth rate. The spiny, dull, dark green leaves have wavy
margins and are accented in fall with heavy clusters of
red berries which persist throughout the fall and winter.
Savannah Holly is ideal for use as a street tree, framing
tree, specimen, or barrier planting. Growing well in full
sun to partial shade, Savannah Holly should be located on
fertile, well-drained but moist, slightly acid soils. Berry
production is best in full sun.
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Star
Jasmine
An extra-hardy selection of an almost legendary plant,
this Star Jasmine not only offers heaven-scented blooms in
late spring and early summer, but also regales you with bronzy-red
leaves in winter! Easy to grow and very rewarding, it is a
must-have around windows, up trellises and arbors, and along
railings where its evergreen foliage and sweet-scented blooms
can be appreciated to their fullest!
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Andorra
Juniper
Andorra Juniper is a compact shrub with gray-green foliage
turning a lovely purplish-green in winter. It grows well in
full sun to partial shade.
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Red
Maple
Red Maple leaves are three-lobed, with small teeth. They
are dull green on top, and pale green or whitish on the bottom.
Leaves grow up to four inches long. It is usually a medium-sized
tree, but it can grow up to 90 feet.
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Lantana
The blooms are tri-colored consisting of yellow, orange,
and pink colors and are great for attracting butterflies.
Dwarf Irene Lantana will bloom late spring to fall. The foliage
is very aromatic and can irritate the skin of some people.
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Wax
Ligustrum
Waxleaf Ligustrum is an evergreen shrub with an upright,
dense, and vigorous growth habit. This shrub makes a nice
sheared hedge but can also be used as a small tree if trimmed
up. The leaves are dark green, leathery and a obovate, oblong
shape. From spring to early summer it produces panicles of
fragrant white flowers in panicles which are followed by round
black fruit in the fall. Ligustrum is heat, drought, salt,
and pollution tolerant, making it an excellent choice for
a variety of different landscape situations. Ligustrum japonicum
'Texanum' is very similar to the species only it has a more
compact and dense growth habit and grows 6-9' in height.
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Wax
Pyramid Ligustrum
This product has the same traits as the Wax Ligustrum
(above) but is trimmed as a Pyramid topiary.
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Coppertone
Loquat
This is an evergreen shrub that has copperish colored
foliage for most of the year. It's a cross of Photinia and
Majestic Hawthorne. Use as a screen or background plant. Looks
similar to Majestic Hawthorne, which can easily be substituted.
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Loropetalum
This tree has a deep burgundy new growth which darkens
into a deep purple color with maturity. This beautiful foliage
is topped from spring to fall with hot pink pom-pom like flowers.
Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum 'Purple Majesty' can reach
6-8' tall and is very similar in looks to 'Plum Delight' ™.
This shrub prefers a well drained non alkaline soil and will
show chlorosis in a high pH soil. Purple Majesty is hardy
to 15-20° F.
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DD
Blanchard Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora 'D.D. Blanchard' comes from Robbins
Nursery in North Carolina. This Magnolia has a compact and
pyramidal growth habit. The leaves on D.D. Blanchard Magnolia
are unique, the tops are shiny green like other Magnolias
but the backs are a rusty almost orange color. A striking
tree for any landscape.
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Mexican
Heather
Mexican Heather is a semi-woody perennial that tolerates
most adverse conditions. Small purple flowers are very attractive.
A good dwarf border planter or container plant. Does not tolerate
cold whatsoever, but will come back in the spring. No major
pest problems. On another note, if you have a garden and not
enough bees are visiting, a couple dozen of these plants will
bring plenty of them!
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Nandina
This shrub is known for its lime green leaves and superior
red color that shows in the fall. Very compact growth, only
2 feet wide by 2 feet tall at maturity, great for those who
hate to prune! Flushes lime green in the spring, produces
no flowers or fruit. In the summer the foliage will become
red-tinged
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Chinquapin
Oak
is a Texas Native to the limestone soils of Trans Pecos,
Hill Country, and the Blacklands. This is a large Oak that
can get 40-60 feet tall and should be given plenty of room
to grow, about 20-40 feet. Chinquapin Oak can grow in a wide
variety of soils as long as it is well drained, including
clay, caliche, and limestone.
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Laurel
Oak
aurel oak is a tree of pleasing symmetry. It is fast growing,
tall, and full. Laurel oak grows scattered with other hardwoods
in well-drained hammocks near the edges of streams and rivers.
In Florida, it can also be found in flatwoods and moderately
well drained soils. It occurs throughout the coastal plain
from southeastern Virginia to central Florida and west to
southern Texas.
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Nutall
Oak
One of the many Red Oaks, the Nutall Oak highly resembles
the Shummard Red Oak, and it is often confused with it as
well. Not well know in the industry Quercus nuttallii may
soon replace other Red Oaks due to its richer red fall color,
better branching structure, and higher transplant survival
due to a stronger root system.
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Overcup
Oak
Overcup oak, also called swamp post oak, swamp white oak,
or water white oak, is a very slow-growing species that may
take up to 30 years to produce fruit. Found most often in
wet sites, it is very tolerant of flooding and survives well
when the roots are underwater for long periods of time. The
trees are susceptible to heart rot.
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Shumard
Oak
The Shumard Oak is in the group of Red Oaks, in fact it
is one of the best choices from this group as a landscape
tree in Texas. As with many Oaks this one hybridizes freely
and some taxonomists lump it together with Quercus texana.
This deciduous Oak has a broad columnar growth habit with
a smooth grey bark. The leaves are a dark, glossy green, are
deeply lobed, and turn a yellow-red color in autumn. The Shumard
Oak is a Texas Native and has a tolerance to drought, salt,
and limestone soils. Fairly fast growing, the Shumard Oak
reaches up to 70 feet tall and 40 foot in width.
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Water
Oak
The Water Oak is a broadly conical, deciduous tree with
smooth brown then dark grey bark. Its dark green leaves are
usually in a spoon shaped form then turning a yellowish brown
color in the fall. It is a moderate-fast growing Oak and can
reach 50-80 feet tall and 40-60 foot across. The Water Oak
can tolerate occasional flooding, hence the name, but does
not do as well on drier sites as many Oaks do. Also the Water
Oak does not tolerate alkaline soils, the foliage becomes
chlorotic.
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Willow
Oak
Willow Oak is a large tree, growing up to 120 feet tall.
Its trunk can be several feet wide. This oak looks different
from other oaks because of its leaves. Instead of having wide
leaves with lobes, Willow Oak has many slender leaves like
a willow. Leaves are green and up to five inches long, but
only about an inch wide. You can tell its an oak and not a
willow, because the leaves do not have teeth, and because
there is a tiny bristle (like a hair) at the tip. Willow Oak
leaves turn pale yellow in the Fall.
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Oleander
Oleander is an evergreen shrub that endures heat, glare,
dry soils, alkaline, sandy soils. Fast growing and great for
screens, hedges, and actually seen used as a small tree. Requires
pruning from the base every few years. Blooms red, pink, or
white, throughout the summer. Dwarf cultivars exist, but are
less cold hardy.
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Canary
Isle Palm
The Canary Island Date Palm tree is a suckering palm that
is usually pruned to have only one trunk. Trimmed in this
manner the tree will grow to heights of 100 feet. Leaflets
near the base are modified into 3-4 inch spines. The yellow-orange
to red fruit, called 'dates', are oblong and about 1.5 inches
in length. They consist of a large pointed seed surrounded
by sweet sugary flesh. Dates are formed from flowers on 4
foot inflorescences that emerge from among the leaves in spring.
Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Only female
plants produce dates and only if a male tree is nearby. Dates
are not formed in climates that are too cool.
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Chinese
Fan Palm
Most often you will see the Chinese Fan Palm in the landscape
as a smaller individual although rated at up to 25 feet. They
are also very nice in groups. Native to China and parts of
Japan, this is a popular palm in the landscape and often used
by landscapers, one reason being slow growth. Tolerant of
many soils, it grows best with added food. Not fussy about
water, no pests to speak of and has a nice olive green color.
Moderate feeder but best grown with proper fertilization.
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Sabal
Palm
CThis Sabal palm can be found growing in virtually all
conditions of wet and dry, on the coasts, inland, in swamps
and dry flatlands. No added food or water is needed as these
are tough natives with no pests to speak of. Some grow tall
and thin, others fat, but Sabal palms can grow both fat and
tal. The dry old frond remains on the trunk (as in picture)
can fall off easily, early, or can stay attached for many
years. We know of several 30 year old Sabal palms which have
never lost a "boot" frond.
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Hardy
Date Palm
Although there are many palms that we call "date
palms" (i.e. pygmy date palm, Canary Island date palm,
etc.) Phoenix dactylifera is the true date palm from which
the tasty fruit is obtained. The date palm is a suckering
palm that is usually pruned to have only one trunk. Trimmed
in this manner the tree will grow to heights of 100 feet.
Leaflets near the base are modified into 3-4 inch spines.
The yellow-orange to red fruit, called 'dates', are oblong
and about 1.5 inches in length. They consist of a large pointed
seed surrounded by sweet sugary flesh. Dates are formed from
flowers on 4 foot inflorescences that emerge from among the
leaves in spring. Male and female flowers grow on separate
plants. Only female plants produce dates and only if a male
tree is nearby. Dates are not formed in climates that are
too cool.
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Mediteranean
Fan Palm
The only truly European palm and one of our most popular,
Chamaerops can be grown in a wide range of situations. Its
robust nature makes it a good palm for coastal conditions,
although it is happy in any warm garden where it can tolerate
heavy frosts. It makes a large, bushy specimen as it matures.
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Palmetto
Palm
The Palmetto Palm ranges from the sandy pinelands of the
S. United States to Colombia. Sabal palmetto, the common native
palm of the Southeastern states, is one of the trees called
cabbage palm; it has an erect stem and fan-shaped leaves that
are edible when young. Palmetto wood is used for pilings and
the leaves for thatch. South Carolina, where the tree is indigenous,
is sometimes called the Palmetto State. In cooler climates
the palmetto is often grown as a greenhouse ornamental. An
extract of the dried ripe fruits of the saw palmetto, Serenoa
repens, are used as an herbal remedy for urinary conditions
in elderly men.
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Pindo
Palm
The Pindo Palm is definitely a welcome and distinctive
addition to both tropical and desert landscapes. Its graceful
form and arching blue-green fronds make it excellent for pool-side
plantings, as well as for container use. Hardy to 15 degrees,
The Pindo Palm is tolerant of the hot, dry conditions in the
high or low deserts with ample water, but is at its best in
the more moderate Southern California climates. It makes moderately
slow growth to an eventual trunk height of 15 feet. Low maintenance
is an additional plus for this unique palm.
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Queen
Palm
The Queen palm is heavily planted in South Florida. The
main reason is it's inexpensive. With a fast growth rate and
easy propagation from seed, Queens are seen everywhere. On
the other hand, Queens have a unique appearance with the their
lacy fronds. They are from Brazil and are rated at about 40
feet. Most we see locally are shorter. Queens are very fussy
for their fertilizer. First of all, acid soil is preferred
and that's rare in South Florida coastal areas. Next, adding
manganese sulfate is needed even when using palm fertilizer
(which already has manganese). Most homeowners do not fertilize
properly and so we see many Queens with "frizzle top"
symptoms. The new fronds progressively weaken, get shorter,
yellow and have a frizzy appearance. Often it is too late
to feed and restore the palm which likely will die now even
with proper food. Otherwise, the Queen is very easy to grow
and deserves some planting in palm groupings and as a nice
background tree.
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Washingtonia
Palm
From Mexico, this palm is rated zones 8-11 so it is
seen everywhere in the southern USA. This is the tall thin
palm you see on TV in scenes shot in California. It is rated
at 70-100 feet, not fussy for soil or water and very easy
to grow. Plant in full sun and fertilize. There is actually
a "California" Washingtonia palm as well. Also
seen in colder zones such as Las Vegas, is the big fat brother,
Washingtonia filifera. Filifera has a heavy trunk, is fast
growing, but not nearly as tall as robusta.
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Roebelenii
Palm
A small (even miniature) feather palm, from Laos and southeast
Asia, with a slender trunk that can grow to about 10 feet
(3.0m) in height. Fruit are small, about 1/2 inch (1.25cm)
long, and range from dark purple to brown/black when fully
ripe. In South Texas, palms start to flower around April -
May and fruit ripen between September and October. Phoenix
roebelenii are hardy to around 24°F (-5°C) for a short time,
many here in the Corpus Christi area, have survived temperatures
to 21.5°F (-6.5°C) for a very short time (without frost) and
only suffered some minor leaf damage. They like lots of water
and fertilizer during the hot months, and by giving palms
a little extra nitrogen during the growing season, keeps them
looking their best. Can be grown in shade to full sun and
make wonderful planter palms for indoors or on the deck during
the warmer months. If planting them out, choose a site that
is well protected, either next to a wall, building or house
(south side preferred) or under a large tree.
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Sago
Palm
The sago is not a palm, but a cycad. Cycads are known
to be among the oldest plants on earth, unchanged for
millions of years, originating in East Africa. Sagos can
be used in full sun to shade. The sago is very adaptable
and very popular for its dark green fronds and tropical
look.
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Windmill
Palm
The Windmill Palm is a tree-like palm with distinctive
hairy black fibers covering its slender, graceful trunk. Large
fan-like leaves make an attractive compact crown. Good for
garden or patio, effective near a pool. Full to partial sun.
Moderate grower to 25 to 30 feet and more tall, to 8-foot
wide crown.
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Pentas
Dark green, lance-shaped, somewhat furry and deeply veined
leaves provide a lush backdrop for prolific clusters of never-ending,
five-petaled flowers. These may be red, white, lavender, purple,
or shades of pink. Some are two-toned. All are extremely attractive
to butterflies, and the red and dark pink varieties delight
hummingbirds. Depending on the variety, the habit of growth
may be upright to about 3', or low and mounding. Full sized
pentas are often sprawling, as tall stems will topple over.
The flowers are held in terminal clusters and self-deadhead.
In warm weather the plant grows fast and stays in bloom constantly.
Where winters are not too severe, pentas are perennial. They
may always be treated as an annual and replanted after danger
of frost for long-lasting summer color.
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Philodendrum
A tropical evergreen plant that can grow in un-drained
soil with no difficulty. Fast grower, and becomes irregular
with age. Also good for container planting.
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Loblolly
Pine
CLoblolly Pines are large trees, growing up to 100 feet
tall. Along with Eastern White Pine and Virginia Pine, it
is one of our most common pine trees. The easiest way to tell
them apart is to count the needles. Loblolly Pines have clusters
of three needles, Virginia Pines have clusters of two, and
Eastern White Pines have clusters of five. Loblolly Pines
grow in forests and fields. In fields, they are a pioneer
tree, meaning they are one of the first trees to grow. The
trunks of Loblolly Pines can be up to three feet wide. The
bark is thick, scaly, and dark grey. Underneath are brown
layers. Leaves are needles, in clusters of three, with each
one being about six or seven inches long. Needles stay green
all year.
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Pineapple
Guava
Medium sized shrub-like tree to 25ft. The feijoa is very
hardy, and can survive to 15F. The leaves are ornamental,
with silvery undersides and glossy green on top. Flowers usually
bloom during summer and the petals are edible. Plants grow
best in cooler climates, so protect from hot sun or temperatures
well over 100F. Keep watered, although plants are mildly drought
tolerant. Fruits ripen in 5-7 months. The feijoa is an excellent
plant for foggy coastal climates.
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Pittosporum
A popular shrub with medium growth rate. Requires moist
but well-drained soil. Has dense, broad mounding habit. Fragrant
flowers appear on the regular Pitts, with somewhat attractive
fruits. Excellent as a dense screen or border. 'Wheelers Dwarf'
is popular as a short border, but is less cold hardy and the
branches are more brittle.
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Purple
Leaf Plum
A deciduous ornamental tree that requires well-drained
soil. Medium to fast growing, forms an upright oval crown
with age. Attractive spring flowers are followed by very distinctive
purple leaves. Will turn green if grown in the shade. A short
lived tree, but worth the unique look in the landscape.
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Portulaca
Portulaca is a prostrate, trailing, multi-branched annual
with semisucculent stems and leaves. It reaches about 6 in
(15 cm) tall with a spread of 12 in (30.5 cm). The reddish
stems and the bright green leaves are thick and soft and juicy.
The leaves are cylindrical, about an inch long, and pointed
on the tips. The roselike flowers are about an inch across
and come in bright colors like rose pink, red, yellow, white,
and orange. Some are striped or spotted with contrasting colors.
The flowers are borne on the stem tips, and they open only
during bright sunlight, closing at night and on cloudy days.
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Riverbirch
CThis is the southernmost New World birch and the only
birch that occurs at low altitudes in the southeastern United
States. Its ability to thrive on moist sites makes it useful
for erosion control. Often slightly leaning and forked tree
with irregular, spreading crown.Ovate or nearly 4-sided; coarsely
doubly saw-toothed or slightly lobed; usually with 7-9 veins
on each side. Shiny dark green above, whitish and usually
hairy beneath; turning dull yellow in autumn.Bark: shiny pinkish-brown
or silvery-gray; separating into papery scales; becoming thick,
fissured, and shaggy.Twigs: reddish-brown, slender, hairy.
Flowers: tiny; in early spring. Male yellowish, with 2 stamens,
many in long drooping catkins near tip of twigs. Female greenish,
in short upright catkins back of tip of same twig.Cones: 1-1
1/2" (2.5-4 cm) long; cylindrical, brownish, upright,
short-stalked; with many hairy scales and hairy 2-winged nutlets;
maturing in late spring or early summer.
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Katie
Ruellia
Katie Ruellia is a tough, drought resistant plant that
blooms small blue flowers all summer. Requires low maintenance.
Clumps easily and can be crowding. Carefree perennial that
are great for small borders or massings.
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Salvia
Perennial bushy plant, flowers from spring to fall. Leaves
are semi-evergreen and fragrant, making it deer tolerant in
many areas. Flower colors are available in red, pink, rose,
salmon, purple, white, blue, and cherry. Good low hedge, or
mounded specimen. Give good drainage, and it can tolerate
poor soils, drought, and alot of heat. Easily propagates by
seeds.
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Society
Garlic
Despite its name and distinctive garlicky smell, society
garlic is not really garlic at all. Although like garlic it
is a member of the lily (Alliaceae) family it is not an allium
and is actually more closely related to the narcissus flowe.
Society garlic reputedly got its name from a belief that it
could be eaten without producing the unfortunate side-effect
of garlic bad breath. As such it was a form of garlic that
was acceptable in "polite society". However many
modern nutritionists advise against eating society garlic
as it can cause stomach problems. Society garlic does however
make a good ornamental plant. The leaves are long, thin and
evergreen and it has attractive purple flowers. Perhaps most
importantly, it gives off a gorgeous garlicky aroma.
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Spirea
Spireas (Spiraea species) are among the easiest flowering
shrubs to grow. There are two distinct kinds of spireas: the
bridal wreath type, with clusters of white flowers on arching
branches in spring; and the shrubby, much lower-growing type,
which has pink, red or white flowers clustered at the end
of upright branches in summer to fall.
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Sweet
Olive
Sweet Olive features tiny tubular white flower clusters
with an apricot-like fragrance blooming from spring through
fall, these are followed by bluish black fruit. Sweet Olive
can grow up to 20 feet high and 20 feet wide. This plant is
great for use as a small tree, espalier, or screen.
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Verbena
This group consists of about 200 hardy and tender perennials,
some of which are semi-evergreen. They are natives of North
and South America. Verbenas or Vervain can grow from 6 inches
to 4 feet high and may be bushy or creeping in growth. The
toothed or cut leaves usually grow opposite each other and
reach a length of 1 to 3 inches. In the summer or fall, slender
stalks arise and bear flattened clusters of flowers, 2 to
3 inches across. They may be multi-colored, red, rose, peach,
pink, purple, lavender, or blue, usually with a white eye.
V. Bonariensis (Purple Top) is a pretty species forming basal
rosettes of serrated, wrinkly, dark green leaves. In the summer
and autumn, thin stems topped with clusters of tiny, bright
purplish-pink flowers grow. This species can reach a height
of up to 5 feet.
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Viburnum
Viburnum propinquum is an evergreen shrub that has a compact
dense and bushy growth habit. This shrub can reach 10' in
height and 6' in width. Chinese Viburnum is native to Central
and West China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The foliage is
glossy and dark green. Chinese Viburnum will flower late spring
to summer with green white terminal cymes. The flowers are
followed by blue black fruit in the fall.
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Vinca
Vinca is an evergreen trailing groundcover that spreads
relativly quickly. Blooms light blue mostly in the spring,
and occasionally in the summer and fall. Spills over edges,
giving a nice cascade effect. Needs moist soil and regular
watering when in the sun, pest-free. Leaves are 1-3"
long.
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Vitex
The Vitex is a deciduous tree that has moderate growth.
It likes sun and a range of soil types. Rounded; open; shrubby
It has palmately compound leaves and pink, purple, white flowers
all summer; fragrant
It can be grown as a shrub.
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Wax
Myrtle
Wax myrtle is also known as Southern bayberry or candleberry
because early American colonists used the fruit's pale blue,
waxy covering to make fragrant bayberry candles. This custom
is still carried out today by crafts people here and in other
countries. The tree's distinctive, fragrant scent comes from
volatile oils contained in tiny glands on the leaves. These
oils cause wax myrtle to ignite in a flash in a fire, making
wax myrtle a very flammable plant!
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Evergreen
Wisteria
Evergreen Wisteria is an evergreen twining vine native
to S. China and Taiwan. This vine has leathery dark green
compound leaves. Evergreen Wisteria will bloom in the summer,
the flowers are pea-like and a beautiful deep magenta red
color. This flowering vine can get 3-6' tall and works great
for a trellis.
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Yuccam
All yuccas are in the Agave family (Agavaceae). They have
stiff, succulent, perennial leaves and produce creamy-white,
waxy flowers. They are found in the higher elevations of many
of the North and Central American deserts, and are tolerant
of cold winters. The many species of Yucca are difficult to
distinguish from one another, but some are highly characteristic.
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Agapanthus
Agapanthus are South African lilies which are
quite easy to cultivate, with some species being completely
deciduous in all climates and others being evergreen but liable
to getting the foliage frosted off in harder climates.They
grow best in warm sunny conditions with a moderately fertile
soil, but are very tolerant of a wide range of conditions,
as long as the drainage is not poor. They also make excellent
container plants if fertilised with slow release fertiliser
each spring.
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Alyssum
A hardy annual native to Southern Europe, but has naturalized
throughout the United States. Dense clusters of tiny snow-white
flowers bloom continuously throughout the growing season if
the spent blossoms are trimmed back. A compact, rapid growing
variety which is drought tolerant and heat resistant. Thrives
in full sun to partial shade, in almost any soil. Best sown
in early spring, seedlings cannot withstand a heavy frost.
A seemingly endless parade of blooms.
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Aralia
Aralia are ornamental shrubs, although the hardy varieties
have compound leaves up to three feet in length, making them
unsuitable for bonsai. All can be successfully grown as indoor
bonsai.
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Ardesia
The ardisia is a slow-growing, shrub-like plant that
has glossy, leathery leaves. Its main feature is red berries
at Christmas time on mature plants. These follow tiny white
or pale pink flowers that appear in the summer. The berries
will last for several months. You can prune the plant back
after the berries dry and fall.
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Aucuba
Excellent accent for shady situations. Broad-leaved evergreen
shrub valued for the showy dark green leaves with bright golden-yellow
centers. Bold upright stems. Partial to full shade. Slow-growing
to 4 to 6 feet high, almost as wide. Cutting grown.
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Azalea
('Fashion')
Azalea 'Fashion' is a Glenn Dale hybrid. Glenn Dale hybrids
are evergreen, semi-dwarf, and have bigger and more colorful
flowers than Azalea in the Southern Indian group. The Fashion
Azalea has a salmon-pink colored flower that is 2 inches in
diameter. It is a medium sized shrub that reaches up to 6
feet in height with an equal spread. Like all Azaleas, Fashion
Azalea does best on an acidic soil.
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Banana
Shrub
Fragrant, creamy-yellow blooms shaded with purple have
a banana-like scent. Compact densely branched shrub displays
narrow, glossy leaves. Use near the front of borders so fragrance
can be enjoyed. Full to partial sun. Slow-growing to 6 to
10 feet tall and wide. Cutting grown.
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Barberry
barberry is a dense, rounded, thorny shrub with red leaves
and bright red berries. It is used as a hedge, barrier or
in groupings. Easily transplanted as a bareroot plant and
adapts to most planting conditions. As a hedge plant 2-4'
apart. Red Barberry has moderate water requirements and has
a moderate tolerance to salt and alkali soils.
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Begonia
Many of the species are grown in cultivation, and innumerable
hybrids and cultivars. Cuttings from flowering begonias root
freely in sandy soil, if placed in heat at any season when
moderately firm; as soon as rooted, they should be potted
singly into 75 mm pots, in sandy loam mixed with leaf-mould
and sand. They should be stopped to keep them bushy, placed
in a light situation, and thinly shaded in the middle of very
bright days. In a few weeks they will require another shift.
They should not be overpotted, but instead assisted by manure
water. The pots should be placed in a light pit near the roof
glass. The summer-flowering kinds will soon begin blooming,
but the autumn and winter flowering sorts should be kept growing
on in a temperature of from 12° C to 16° C by night, with
a few degrees more in the day. The tuberous rooted sorts require
to be kept at rest in winter, in a medium temperature, almost
but not quite dry. In late winter they should be potted in
a compost of sandy loam and leaf-mould, and placed in a temperate
pit until late spring or early summer, when they may be moved
to the greenhouse for flowering. If they afterwards get at
all pot-bound, weak manure should be applied. After blooming,
the supply of water must be again slackened; in winter the
plants should be stored in a dry place secure from frost;
they are increased by late summer and autumn cuttings, after
being partially cut down.
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Bird
of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) do best with
at least four hours of direct sunlight a day, but should have
bright light all day, with day temperatures of 68-72° and
night temperatures of 50° to 55°. Generally they are hardy
to about 20°. They flower more readily when they are somewhat
rootbound, which is why they are more often grown in large
pots or tubs. It should be potted in a mixture of sterile
potting soil, peat moss, and sand with a liberal amount of
bone meal added. Excellent drainage is essential. Keep the
soil evenly moist except from November-February when the plant
should be kept on the dry side. Feed every two weeks from
March through September with a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer.
Plants are propagated by divisions and seed, neither of which
is difficult. Divisions may take two years to reach blooming
size, when grown from seed it will take from seven to ten
years before you see your first flower.
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Blue
Daze
Blue Daze is a durable ground cover that is frequently
used as a perennial in zones 9-11 and as a summer annual farther
north.. The leaves are soft, silver green and tend to hang;
making it suitable for hanging containers or for use in the
garden where a cascading effect is desired. Plants will reach
heights of 18" in the garden. Small ѕ" clear blue
flowers are at the tip of each growing shoot and cover the
plant over a long season.
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Japanese
Blueberry
This tightly branched shrub makes a superb hedge, column
or foundation plant with bronze new growth and glossy dark
green foliage. The slightly shorter and twirled leaves have
an eye-catching appearance. The older foliage turns a brilliant
bright red before dropping. Scented creamy white flowers develop
into blue-black olive-like fruit. Fruit will not stain walkways.
Prefers full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Reaches
eight to ten feet, possibly 15 with maturity.
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Bouganvillea
Grows best in full sun or light shade in well-drained,
acid soils. Bougainvillea can tolerate hot, dry locations
fairly well and flowers bountifully in full sun with regular
watering. Chlorosis can be a problem in alkaline soil. Regular
pruning may be necessary to shape the plant or direct its
growth, it tolerates trimming well. Be careful when pruning
to avoid injury from the 1 to 2 inch long thorns. In St. Louis,
to bring bougainvillea into flower, a dormant period at a
low temperature is essential in winter. The plant will drop
most of its leaves and you should stop fertilizing. From March
on, it must be given a well-lit, warm position. Late in May,
it is best placed outdoors. If pruning is required this should
be done immediately after flowering. Pinching the tips of
new growth will encourage branching. Water freely in summer
and sparingly in the winter. Fertilize every two weeks during
the growing season.
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Japanese
Boxwood
Coming soon.
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Caladium
Coming soon.
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Camellia
Coming soon.
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Cast
Iron Plant
Coming soon.
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Cherry
Laurel
Coming soon.
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Cleyera
Coming soon.
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Crape
Myrtle
Coming soon.
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Bald
Cypress
Coming soon.
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Italian
Cypress
Coming soon.
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Leyland
Cypress
Coming soon.
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Daylily
Coming soon.
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Asparagus
Fern
Asparagus Fern is an evergreen arching perennial
that has feathery, needle-like, stems giving an open, loose
appearance in growth. Asparagus Fern is often thought of as
a fern but really it is not a true fern, i.e. it produces
seeds rather than spores. This "Fern" is however
related to the vegetable Asparagus which also has fern-like
foliage. In summer the plant has small white flowers that
are followed by bright red berries. The plant can grow 24
to 36 inches in height and to a width of 3 to 4 feet. It will
grow in sun or even fairly dense shade, however, it would
prefer some shade to maintain a darker green color leaf. Bright
sun tends to wash out the color leaving a more yellow plant.
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Autumn
Fern
This hardy fern is a native to Japan and sports a beautiful
coppery – red color on lush green fronds. In most areas Autumn
Fern is deciduous and will grow 18” to 24” tall and 15"
wide. Dryopteris erythrosora is great for shady areas or for
a woodsy look under trees.
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Foxtail
Fern
Foxtail Fern is an evergreen arching perennial that has
feathery, needle-like, stems. Foxtail Fern is often thought
of as a fern but really it is not a true fern, i.e. it produces
seeds rather than spores. This "Fern" is however
related to the vegetable Asparagus which also has fern-like
foliage. Foxtail Fern is very similar to Asparagus Fern only
its growth habit is very dense and it produces tail-like fronds
for a fluffy tail look. In summer the plant has small white
flowers that are followed by bright red berries. The plant
can grow 2 feet in height and to a width of 3 to 4 feet. Unique
growth habit makes it an outstanding accent plant in any garden
also makes a great hanging basket.
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Holly
Fern
Coming soon.
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Wood
Fern
Coming soon.
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Aztec
Grass
Coming soon.
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Dwarf
Hameln
Coming soon.
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Purple
Fountain Grass
Purple Fountain Grass is a deciduous perennial grass.
It forms tufts that reach 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide.
In climates that have occasional freezes this grass is used
in the landscape as an annual. Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
has rough stems with long, narrow, bronze leaf blades. From
mid-summer to early autumn this Pennisetum bears pink to purplish
pink spikelets that are plumed and bristled seed heads that
nod. Purple Fountain Grass is great for use in mixed perennial
beds, mass plantings, as well as in mixed containers.
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Muhly
Grass
Coming soon.
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Giant
Liriope
Coming soon.
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Maiden
Grass
Miscanthus is a group of ornamental grasses that make
excellent perennials. They are clump forming plants with reed-like
stems and leaves that are narrow and arch to the ground. The
flower heads are puffy plumes that form in late summer to
fall and make good cut or dried flowers. Most species are
moderately frost hardy. Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
is one of the better known selections of Miscanthus. 'Gracillimus'
has very fine, weeping foliage with a white midrib, late in
the fall this grass will bloom, the flowers are creamy white
and later deepen to a reddish color. The foliage colors to
tan or bronze in the fall. Maiden Grass can reach 5-6 feet
in height.
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Miscanthus
"Adagio"
Coming soon.
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Dwarf
Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass is native to Korea and Japan. It has a fairly
low growing habit and the leaves are somewhat finer on this
species than other species. The flowers are hidden and insignificant,
thus the plant is grown for its foliage and groundcover effect.
Total height of Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is only 3 inches
and dark green in color. It makes an excellent filler between
walkways and stepping stones. Dwarf Mondo Grass needs to be
grown in partial shade to shady conditions.
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Carrisa
Holly
The Carrisa Holly was developed from Ilex cornuta 'Rotunda'
and has been know to revert back to this. Ilex cornuta 'Carrisa'
is an outstanding dwarf Chinese Holly because of its dense
growth habit and small leaves, this Holly only reaches 3 feet
tall and 4-5 feet wide. Has small, dark, glossy green leaves
cupped slightly upward with one spine on the tip. Carrisa
Holly produces no berries.
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Dwarf
Yaupon Holly
The Dwarf Yaupon Holly is a small evergreen shrub that
has a refine and attractive look, it can get 5 feet in height
and 8-10 feet in width. Dwarf Yaupon can be very formal when
sheared, or a small mound if not. Often this shrub is seen
as little "meatballs" in the landscape. Produces
inconspicuous scarlet-red berries.
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East
Palatka Holly
The East Palatka Holly is a cultivar of Ilex x attenuata
which is a cross between Ilex cassine (Dahoon Holly) and Ilex
opaca (American Holly). East Palatka is female and produces
dark red berries. Ilex x attenuata 'East Palatka' is an evergreen
shrub with lance-shaped light green, spineless leaves. The
East Palatka Holly is a narrow pyramidal shaped tree that
can get 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide and has a looser growth
habit than Ilex x attenuata.
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Foster
Holly
Coming soon.
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Needlepoint
Holly
The Needlepoint Holly has a broad growth habit reaching
10 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Ilex cornuta 'Needlepoint'
is very similar in looks to the Dwarf Burford Holly only it
has a more upright growth habit and it is slightly taller
when fully mature. It too has glossy dark green leaves with
a small point on end. Produces masses of dark red berries
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Nellie
R. Stevens Holly
Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens' is a cross between Ilex aquifolium
(English Holly) and Ilex cornuta (Chinese Holly) and has a
dense, conical growth habit. This Holly can get up to 20-30
feet tall and 12 feet wide. Nellie R. Stevens is a female
and produces an abundance of red berries and sets fruit without
a male, but is heavier with one. The leaves have spines that
come in 1s 3s or 5s and a downward curl. Nellie R. Stevens
is somewhat soil adaptable and is one of the best Hollies
for the South.
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Pride
O Houston Holly
The Pride of Houston Yaupon in an improved selection of
the native Yaupon Holly, Ilex vomitoria. Pride of Houston
has a more upright and uniform growth habit, a better branching
structure, and will produce more berries than the species.
Pride of Houston can grow in almost any soil and can live
in wet or dry, rich or poor soil. Its leaves are narrow, inch-long,
toothed, dark green leaves. This Yaupon can get to a height
of 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
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Weeping
Yaupon Holly
Weeping Yaupon Holly is an branched evergreen shrub that
has a loose weeping growth habit and can get 20' tall and
7-10' wide. Weeping Yaupon Holly will produce red berries
in the winter.
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Honeysuckle
This is a very large group of woody, climbing, and twining
shrubs that are both evergreen and deciduous. They have flowers
that are two-lipped and tubular in shape. The flowers are
usually sweet scented and provide nectar to bees and birds.
Plants in this family are generally a very hardy garden plant
and have few disease or insect problems. Honeysuckles grow
in full sun or very light shade and will require some annual
pruning to keep them looking neat and tidy.
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Hydrangea
Coming soon.
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Indian
Hawthorn
Coming soon.
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Iris
Full sun to partial shade. These beardless hybrid irises
have a full line of colorful members. They have a fine strap
like foliage that remains evergreen in warmer climates. This
group of iris is not fully frost hardy in colder climates
but will withstand light to moderate frosts. These plants
are basically swamp or water plants but are very happy garden
plants if kept well watered.
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English
Ivy
Coming soon.
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Fig Ivy
Fig Ivy is a root-clinging, evergreen perennial. It clings
by aerial roots along the stem and has leaves that are small,
bright green and heart-shaped. Creeping Fig will grow in moderate
shade or sun. This variety has solid green leaves, this is
a great plant if you have a wall that is bare. The Creeping
Fig will cling to surfaces allowing one to hide an unsightly
wall or to just soften the architecture. This plant also works
well as an indoor potted plant, as long as it has a sunny
spot to sit in.
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Asian
Jasmine
Asian Jasmine (variegated shown in photo) is originally
from southeast Asia and are made up of climbing or twining
plants. They are moderately frost hardy and grow in full sun
to full shade.
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