In some parts of the U.S. summer is sizzling, and it may also be very dry. Several colorful annuals cope with summer heat and humidity better than others. Northeast U.S. cities are sweltering near 100°F. A sure bet is that every summer will be hot and humid in Savannah, GA. Near a popular restaurant is […]
Archive for the ‘Tropical Plants (non-hardy)’ Category
Heat Tolerant Annuals That Create Their Own Heat
Posted by Hugh on July 18th, 2013
Posted in Acalypha spp., Begonia, Coleus, Drought tolerant, Fan flower (Scaevola), Globe amaranth (Gomphrena), Heat Tolerance, Irrigation, Marigold, Moss rose (Portulaca), Pentas (Egyptian star flower), Salvia, Star zinnia, Summer flowering, Sweet potato vine, Tapioca plant (Manihot), watering tips 
Comments Off on Heat Tolerant Annuals That Create Their Own Heat‘Bikini-tini’ Colocasia Creates Movement in The Garden
Posted by Hugh on May 15th, 2013
Colocasia (Colocasia esculenta), aka taro, ape plant, and elephant ear, among other names, is marginally hardy in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7). The 2011 colocasia introduction ‘Bikini-tini’ has garnered high praise from neighbors and friends visiting my garden in the summer. Bikini-tini is a strong stemmed thick-leaved plant that grows 4 to 5 feet in height. […]
Posted in acidic soil, Colocasia, Fertilizing plants, Foliage plant, Heat Tolerance, mulching, Perennials, plant nutrition, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips, Winter Protection Comments Off on ‘Bikini-tini’ Colocasia Creates Movement in The Garden‘Thailand Giant’ Elephant Ears A Tropical Wonder
Posted by Hugh on May 7th, 2013
In many areas of the U.S.’Thailand Giant’ elephant ears (Colocasia gigantea) is classified as an annual (USDA hardiness zone 8-10). It grows best in full to partial sunlight (6-hours minimum) and planted in a compost-rich well-drained garden soil or good container potting media. A young plant should be moved outdoors and brought back indoors when […]
Posted in Colocasia, Disease resistant, Fertilizing plants, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Tropical Plants (non-hardy), watering tips, winter injury, Winter Protection Comments Off on ‘Thailand Giant’ Elephant Ears A Tropical WonderChenille Plant Hot For The Summer Garden
Posted by Hugh on May 4th, 2013
Chenille plant (Acalypha hispida), aka firetails and redhot cattail, is a hot tropical plant which has jumped from house plant to garden plant use. Their pendulous vibrant red (other colors are available) tassel-like flowers mimic the furry tails of pets. Its lush dark green foliage is heart-shaped. Stems arch downward under the weight of the […]
Posted in acidic soil, Chenille plant (Acalypha), deadheading, Flowers, Heat Tolerance, Planting tips, Poisonous or toxic, Pruning, Southern Appalachian Region, Tropical Plants (non-hardy), watering tips Comments Off on Chenille Plant Hot For The Summer Garden‘King Tut’ Papyrus Adds Texture To The Summer Garden
Posted by Hugh on April 27th, 2013
Standard sized Papyrus in Flower Bed at Kingwood Center in Mansfield, Ohio Over thousands of years papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), aka Egyptian paper plant, was essential for food, medicine, fiber and shelter in ancient Egypt. Today, we utilize papyrus, as many other aquatic and bog-like plants, to add texture to the garden. Papyrus is classified as a non-hardy […]
Posted in Heat Tolerance, Papyrus, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Tropical Plants (non-hardy), water garden maintenance, watering tips, Winter Protection Comments Off on ‘King Tut’ Papyrus Adds Texture To The Summer GardenTreat Colorful Caladiums As Tender Annuals
Posted by Hugh on March 12th, 2013
Caladiums at Yewdell Gardens in Crestwood, KY (near Louisville) Caladiums (Caladium bicolor) are tropical foliage plants which are grown as annuals. Caladiums brighten up shady to sunny spots. Their brightly colored foliage is either heart and lanced shaped in color combinations ranging from red, rose, pink, chartreuse, green, and white. Caladiums absolutely prefer a warm, […]
Posted in acidic soil, acidify soil, Caladium, compost, Deer resistant, Flowers, Foliage plant, Ground cover, Heat Tolerance, Irrigation, mulching, Planting tips, Southern Appalachian Region, Tropical Plants (non-hardy), watering tips, winter injury, Winter Protection Comments Off on Treat Colorful Caladiums As Tender AnnualsBright Clivia Flowers Bring Cheer Over A Dreary Winter
Posted by Hugh on February 3rd, 2013
If you’re suffering from the winter blahs, colorful orange clivia (Clivia miniata) flowers will brighten your home. This sub-tropical house plant is native to South Africa, a member of the lily family (Liliaceae), is easy to grow and re-blooms every year as amaryllis or Christmas cactus do. Its wide, strap-like dark evergreen leaves remain blemish […]
Posted in Clivia, Disease resistant, Heat Tolerance, Interior (house) Plants, Propagation (dividing), Southern Appalachian Region, Tropical Plants (non-hardy), watering tips, Winter flowering, Winter Garden Interest, Winter Protection Comments Off on Bright Clivia Flowers Bring Cheer Over A Dreary WinterTriggering Flowering Response In Bromeliads
Posted by Hugh on December 21st, 2012
Bromeliads flower only once. Their brightly colored flowers are mostly “bracts” or modified leaves. Small flowers are nestled within these attractive bracts. Once a bromeliad has flowered it no longer produces new leaves. The colorful bracts (flowers) may last 3 or more months and are cut off once it looks unsightly. Several months later, new […]
Posted in Bromeliads, Foliage plant, Interior (house) Plants, Regional, Tropical Plants (non-hardy), watering tips Comments Off on Triggering Flowering Response In BromeliadsBuy This Poinsettia, Perhaps Not That One!
Posted by Hugh on December 19th, 2012
There are so many colorful poinsettia varieties in stores this holiday season. Some plants will not make it to the first of the year. What attracts you into buying the plant is the colorful bracts (modified leaves). The “true” poinsettia flowers lie in the center of the bracts. If the yellow stamens are immature or […]
Posted in Fertilizing plants, Poinsettia, Purchasing Plants, Southern Appalachian Region, Tropical Plants (non-hardy), watering tips Comments Off on Buy This Poinsettia, Perhaps Not That One!Growing Bromeliads For Lifelong Enjoyment
Posted by Hugh on December 17th, 2012
The bromeliad plant family (Bromeliaceae) includes over 2000 species which live in tropical areas. This includes the pineapple. Bromeliads make great indoor plants. Leaves and flowers come in a wide variety of colors. They are easy to care for and will live for several years. They have very few pest problems. Some bromeliads are epiphytes […]
Posted in Bromeliads, Fertilizing plants, Interior (house) Plants, Regional, Tropical Plants (non-hardy), watering tips Comments Off on Growing Bromeliads For Lifelong Enjoyment
