Most people know this plant by its botanical genus name, Mussaenda. However, there is a common name for this plant which is not used very often and that is Flag Bush. Mussaenda is a genus of shrubs in the Rubiaceae Family (the Coffee Family) with very showy enlarged floral sepals which surround the true flower.…
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Ruellia brittoniana is a perennial plant in South Florida forming a dense clump attaining a height of 3-4′. A lot of gardeners shy away from this plant due to its invasive nature. However, I submit that some invasive plants can be a positive and this is one of those. It is an excellent nectar source…
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Pentalinon luteum is a native species of S.FL. It ranges on the east coast of Florida from St. Lucie County to the Florida Keys. On the west coast of Florida, from Lee County to Monroe County (Mainland). This plant is a vigorous vine in the Apocynaceae Family with shiny leaves and bright yellow trumpet shaped…
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There are many species in the Genus Costus. These are commonly referred to as New World Gingers, Spiral Gingers, Crepe Gingers, Button Gingers, and even Step Ladder Gingers. They do give a great tropical look and the flowers do attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Whatever you call them, if you just ask for Costus, most people…
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This Heliconia is referred to as the Parrot’s Beak Heliconia. It is a small heliconia with very narrow leaves and relatively small flowers compared to some of the other Heliconias. There are 2 cultivars commonly grown in South Florida, ‘Lady Di’ and ‘Choconiana’. ‘Lady Di’ can attain a height of 6-8′ tall with pinkish bracts…
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