The Datil Pepper (Capsicum chinense), is a cultivar of a hot pepper developed near St. Augustine, FL. There is some debate as to the origin of this pepper. Some say it was brought to St. Augustine from Cuba around 1880. Others believe it was brought from Europe in the 1700’s. Whichever is correct, the pepper…
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Thailand Powderpuff (Combretum constrictum) is a shrub that blooms year round. It has the common name ‘Powderpuff’, but it is not related to the shrub Calliandra which is also commonly called powderpuff. The flowers do resemble each other, as they are shaped like a powderpuff, thus the confusion I guess. Although the Thai Powderpuff is…
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There aren’t a lot of trees that bloom year round, but one that comes to mind is the Butterfly Orchid Tree (Bauhinia divaricata). This tree blooms year round with white wispy flowers that fade to pink, and is an excellent nectar source for butterflies, especially, the Giant Swallowtail. As a bonus, in the winter, the ruby-throated…
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A ground cover worth trying is Perennial Peanut. There are two species on the market. Arachis pintoi and Arachis glabrata. The former is a faster growing species with fleshier more tender leaves and rhizomes. This species will cover a large area in a relatively short period of time, but it is more tender and will…
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A very colorful Hibiscus for a sunny planter or decorative pot for the front porch or maybe near a pool. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Red Hot’ has large bright red flowers surrounded by variegated leaves that take on different shades of red, green, and white depending on the light levels. Richard Lyons Nursery currently has this plant…
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