Tithonia diversifolia is a perennial in South Florida which can attain a height of 6-12 feet. This time of year, you cannot miss its large yellow flowers that resemble a sunflower. This plant would be excellent in the back corner of a butterfly garden as it attracts all of South Florida’s butterflies and honeybees. Richard…
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Stigmaphyllon littorale has two common names. One for the seed pods which resemble chartreuse colored butterflies before turning brown, and one for the flowers which resemble tiny orchids. The vine can reach 20′ on a fence or trellis. It blooms twice a year, spring and fall, in South Florida. Butterflies and bees are attracted to…
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Conanga odorata is the full-size Ylang-Ylang Tree and Conanga odorata var. fruticosa is a dwarf Ylang-Ylang Tree. They both have very fragrant flowers in the evening and early morning hours. The full-size tree can attain a height of 30+ feet in South Florida, while its dwarf cousin maybe only 12-15′. The flowers of both look…
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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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