Desert Trumpet Vine Podranea ricasoliana This vine has glossy foliage and abundance of attractive pink flowers is a very showy plant, well known to many South African gardeners. It is a vigorous, woody, rambling, evergreen climber without tendrils. The leaves are compound and a deep glossy green. It sends up many tall strong stems, 3 to 5 ft up to 10+ ft high if left unchecked, that have long spreading branches with a graceful arching habit. Large bunches of fragrant lilac-pink, trumpet-shaped, foxglove-like flowers are produced all summer long (November to March). The flowers terminate a branch, and after flowering new side branches develop behind the spent flowers. The flowers are often visited by carpenter bees.
Giant Dutchman’s Pipe Artistolochia gigantea
Plant in full to partial sun. USDA Hardiness Zones - In-ground in zones 8 to 10. In zones cooler than 8 (1 to 7) move in and treat as a house plant over winter, or move to a protected area (somewhere that doesn’t freeze) before the first frost. Mature Height/Spread - 10 feet tall in-ground; can be kept smaller with pruning. 1 to 3 feet tall in a container. Bloom Time - Summer to frost. Water weekly about 1”. Elephant Ears Colocasia
The arrow-shaped, sometimes rounded, leaves are large and mostly green, sometimes with prominent veins. Cultivated plants rarely bloom. All plant parts may cause stomach upset if eaten raw, and the sap may irritate skin. Likes wet soil. Large foliage plant. In the garden, it needs fertile, organically rich, moist or wet, slightly acidic soil in partial shade. Indoors, grow in bright filtered light and high humidity. Keep tubers dry and frost-free when dormant. Esperanza Orange Tecoma x ‘ORANGE‘
A bright rich red flowering shrub. Blooms nearly continuously until hit by a hard frost. Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Grows 6 feet tall by 5 feet wide. Hardy to 10 to 20 (F). Plant in full sun.
Euphorbia Diamond Frost Euphorbia graminea “Diamond Frost”
This perennial can be planted in the garden or grown as a house plant. If planted in garden will grow 2x3 ft. Grows in clumps. Plant in partial shade only. Medium water. Heat, drought and deer tolerant. Evergreen with white showy flowers. Best planted in beds for borders, container, ground cover. Blooms from early Spring to first frost. Euphorbia ‘Hamata’ Euphorbia hamata
This spineless succulent shrub that branches at is base can grow up to 24” in height. There are prominent recurved tubercules on the branches. Solitary flowers appear at the end of the branches. Yellow Firecracker Plant russelia equisetiformis "Aureus”
This shrubs grows to be 4ft tall and is best in Zone 9-11. It has a “weeping” form with pale yellow tubular blooms. The plant roots where it touches the soil. It grows best in full to part sun. The blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant will be a great addition to “Water-wise” or Butterfly Garden. Fireman’s Cap Erythirna crista-galli
A deciduous small tree that grows to 15 to 20+ feet tall and equal width with a somewhat crooked trunk having dark furrowed bark. The leaves are composed of 3 dark green leaflets, 3 to 6 inches long by 1 1/2 inch wide, that have curved thorns on the veins on the backside and petioles. The 2 inch long by 1 inch wide flowers, scarlet- red, are borne singly or in groups of 2-3 in loose terminal racemes to 2 feet long from spring to summer. These inflorescences emerge from the current years growth and several flushes of flowers can appear, particularly if old flower stalks are pruned off. Plant in full sun and irrigate only occasionally. This is one of the hardiest of the coral trees and is noted that once established it will tolerate temperatures to 20° F without significant dieback and is root hard down to 14° F. Firespike – Purple Odontenenma strictum “Purple”
Firespike is a showy evergreen shrub with sparse, stiff branches that grow mostly straight up to about 6 ft tall. It has shiny dark green leaves with wavy margins and long pointed tips. The leaves are oblong, arranged opposite each other on the stem, and 4-6 in long. From late summer through winter firespike produces abundant 9-12 in upright panicles of brilliant purple flowers.
Firespike – Pink Odontonema strictum ‘Rosea’
Firespike is a showy evergreen shrub with sparse, stiff branches that grow mostly straight up to about 6 ft tall. It has shiny dark green leaves with wavy margins and long pointed tips. The leaves are oblong, arranged opposite each other on the stem, and 4-6 in long. From late summer through winter firespike produces abundant 9-12 in upright panicles of brilliant pink flowers.
Firespike – Red Odontonema strictum Firespike is a showy evergreen shrub with sparse, stiff branches that grow mostly straight up to about 6 ft tall. It has shiny dark green leaves with wavy margins and long pointed tips. The leaves are oblong, arranged opposite each other on the stem, and 4-6 in long. From late summer through winter firespike produces abundant 9-12 in upright panicles of brilliant red tubular flowers. The individual flowers are about an inch long and two-lipped. Flax Lily Variegated Blue Dianella tasmanica ‘Variegata’
Handsome strappy green leaves with contrasting yellow stripes will brighten up the garden year-round. Stalks of shiny turquoise blue berries lasting from fall into winter create a colorful accent in the garden. Neat clumping habit is ideal for mass planting near pools, in garden beds and borders. Fringe Tree Chionanthus virgincus Fringetree is a deciduous, shrub or small tree with a spreading, rounded habit that typically grows 12-20' tall and most often occurs in rich, moist woods and hillsides, moist stream banks. Common name refers to the slightly fragrant, spring- blooming flowers which feature airy, terminal, drooping clusters (4-6" long) of fringe-like, creamy white petals. Dioecious has male and female flower. Male flowers are showier than female flowers. Fertilized perfect or female flowers give way to clusters of olive-like fruits which ripen to a dark, bluish black in late summer and are a food source for birds and wildlife. Wide, spear-shaped leaves (to 8" long) turn yellow in autumn. Intolerant of prolonged dry conditions. Guara Whirling White Butterfly Gaura lindheimeri
It prefers good, rich soil, that’s well-drained, but isn’t too fussy so it will cope with thinner soil, and it’s happy in sun or part-shade. It does well in my garden on light, sandy soil, but it’s always best to add lots of compost to the planting hole. Looks good planted in great swathes, but if you have a small garden, a group of three or five will look good too. Each plant grows to about 3’ x 3’.
Giant Coneflower Rudbeckia maxima
A coarse-textured perennial with unusual basal blue-gray paddle- shaped leaves that are 12 to 24 inches long, 8 to 10 inches across, and appear sessile. It flowers profusely with blooms slightly more than three inches wide with drooping yellow ray flowers attached to a tall black cone, but flowers are dwarfed by the foliage. Plant Type: perennial
Shell Ginger Alpinia zerumbet ‘Shell Ginger’
Best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Soils must not be allowed to dry out. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9- 11. As a houseplant, it must have bright light and humid conditions. Prune as needed to control plant size. It also may be grown outdoors either as an annual or in the ground with rhizomes dug and overwintered in a cool, dry medium. Plants will not flower until the second year (they bloom on old growth), so if grown outdoors they can be enjoyed only for their attractive foliage. White Butterfly Ginger Hedychium coronarium ‘White Butterfly’
The Butterfly Ginger is a vigorous grower and needs to be divided yearly at least. Fertilize weekly with a balanced fertilizer The white flowers are extremely fragrant and are good as cut flowers. They come in dense spikes, 6 to 12 inches long (15-30 cm). Remove the old stems after flowers are spent to promote new growth
Golden Wonder Senna Cassia Splendida
A rare selection, displaying a profusion of large, golden-yellow blooms. Provides dazzling fall color with flowers rather than foliage! An evergreen tree well suited to fitting in limited spaces. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Pruning time: spring.
Goji Berry
The Goji Berry is a sprawling shrub with long, flexible canes and clusters of small grey-green leaves. Flowers are a brilliant purple and appear in late Spring/early Summer along the length of the canes. Flowers turn into bright red fruits that resemble small peppers. Berries grow sweeter as they mature on the plant. The Goji Berry thrives in full sun. Plants can reach 10’ tall and 5’ wide. Fertilize in early Spring just as new growth appears with either rose fertilizer or plant food for flowering shrubs.
Grass, Fireworks Fountain Pennisetum setaceum ‘Fireworks’
Colorful, upright growing grass with variegated stripes of white, green, burgundy and hot pink running the length of the blade. Purple tassles appear in summer. Plant as a specimen or in mass for a stunning display of color. A great addition to containers and beds near your patio or deck. Grass, Bamboo Muhly (Gulf Coast Muhly) Mulhenbergia dumosa
Bamboo Muhly Muhlenbergia dumosa Common Names: Faury Bamboo Light: Full Sun/Part Shade Height: 3′ – 6′ Spacing/Spread: 3′ – 6′ Evergreen: No, plant is deciduous. Color: Gentle feathery foliage. Interest: Summer to Winter. Landscape Companions: Texas Native: No, but particularly well adapted to central Texas and Austin. Extra: Plant is deer resistant. Wildlife habitat: Provides food/shelter for bees, butterflies and birds. Grass, Pink Muhly Muhlenbergia capillaris Pink Muhly Grass reaches 4 feet high and 3 feet wide, with a nicely cascading, fountainous habit of foliage and fanned-out, unbelievably profuse blooms. Give it plenty of sunshine and good soil drainage, and it will do the rest, beautifully withstanding heat, humidity, drought, and poor soil! Long-lived and impervious to pests and disease, this North American native is a must-have in the low- maintenance garden. Plant it en masse and enjoy the late-season color for years to come! Zones 6-10. Grass, Suwannee Blue Eyes Sisyrinchium angustifolum ‘Suwannee’ The numerous, narrow, light-green leaves of this perennial form dense, tufted clumps which steadily grow with new foliage during the season. The flattened, leaf-like flowering stems may be up to 18 in. long and bear light-blue, star-shaped flowers a few inches above the leaves. Height is 1-1 1/2 ft. Several delicate, blue or deep blue-violet flowers with yellow centers in 2 broad bracts top a flat stem, generally only 1 flower at a time in bloom; stems taller than the clusters of narrow, sword-shaped leaves near base. Growing conditions: moist to wet soil, full sun to part shade, average to poor soil.
Hibiscus Double Pink Hibiscus “Double Pink”
The Hibiscus, Double Classic Pink, 'Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Double Classic Pink', produces a profusion of large, showy double pink flowers that are set against a background of dark green foliage. This plant blooms from spring through fall when planted in a well drained, full sun planting site. The Double Classic Pink Hibiscus is a tropical hibiscus so it must be kept from frost or freezing at all times. In colder areas, the tropical hibiscus makes a great summer plant that can be used as an annual or containerized and greenhoused in the wintertime. This plant may be used as a foundation plant around houses and buildings. Hibiscus Dreamsicle Hibiscus ‘Dreamsicle’
• This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds • This plant is suitable for growing indoors • Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater • Provides winter interest • Suitable for growing in containers Hibiscus Lone Star White Hibiscus coccineus alba “Lone Star”
Unusual! Glowing white 6" pinwheels are produced throughout summer and fall. Mix it with the Red Texas Star for amazing contrast! A vigorous sun loving perennial which is native to the swampy soils of the SE US but is fairly drought tolerant once established in the garden. A good choice for the back of the border.
Maple Leaf Hibiscus Hibiscus sabdariffa The Maple Leaf foliage is green, dark red to black. The bloom comes in pale pink, pink, pale yellow, bright yellow, white/near white. Bloom time is from mid fall to early winter. Hardy in Zone 9. Plant in full sun. The plant takes average water, water regularly and do not over water.
Hibiscus Maple Sugar Hibiscus acetosella ‘Maple Sugar’ Very textural, burgundy- black, maple leaf-shaped foliage; infrequent burgundy blooms; very heat tolerant. Attracts birds and hummingbirds. Deer resistant. Plant size – 2’x2’x60”. Blooms are red and foliage is purple. Exposure – part sun to full sun, Blooms late summer, Hardy to 28°F.
Hibiscus Texas Star – Red Hibiscus coccineus
Features large 5-petaled scarlet flowers over a long bloom period. Need average, reliable water. The eye-popping scarlet flowers were worth waiting for, though, and the cool leaf patterns and color variations were great to watch all summer. Grow robustly - by mid-August, flowers opened atop tall stems.
Coral Honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens
A smooth, twining evergreen vine bearing dark, shiny green leaves which are white on the lower surface. The upper pair of leaves are fused together, just below the flower cluster. The tubular or trumpet shaped corolla occurs in whorls of four to six blossoms. They are usually red outside and orange inside, or rarely, all orange or yellow. Clusters of red berries mature in September to October. Ornamentally, coral honeysuckle is well suited to climb on a fence or trellis, it is evergreen through most of Texas, and often blooms in January and sporadically throughout the growing season to attract pollinating hummingbirds. There are many named cultivars. It is not nearly as aggressive as Japanese honeysuckle which is on many noxious weed lists. African Hosta Drimiopsis maculata
This is a wonderful little groundcover from South Africa. It has succulent, thick green leaves which are covered in Leopard spots. The spots are a dark green to almost black, and the color tends to be enhanced (e.g. darker spots on the foliage) in a shady spot. This Leopard Plant, as we’ve taken to calling it, has a bulbous root system, which lies dormant when conditions aren't suited to growing, or when it is too cold. In spring it grows a fresh new set of leaves with small white flowers, on a spike of around 30cm tall. It is sometimes called ‘Little White Soldiers’, which is probably due to the white flower stalks. Drimiopsis maculata is well suited to shady to part sunny positions in the garden, and is great along Clivia’s in that very hard to grow dry shady spot. It has also been grown as a potted plant, and would be a great ‘pot filler’, with a tall shrub or tree in the middle of the pot, and this plant surrounding it. It is not an invasive plant and keeps the ground covered which acts as a ‘mulch’ – ensuring water stays in the pot where’s it’s needed, and doesn’t let your soil dry out. The African Hosta is sometimes grown as an indoor plant, and is well suited as potted plant due to its tolerance of dark places.
Hummingbird Mint Agastache aurantiaca ‘Salmon pink’
The leaves and flowers of Agastache are highly fragrant with a sweet citrus aroma. They will tolerate hot dry and hot wet summers. In the garden Agastache will quickly develop into a full bush, flowering from October to April. They are ideal for combination patio containers and landscape plantings.
Hummingbird Mint, Tango Gastache aurantiaca ''Tango'' A real blast of color with bold orange flowers along upright 14" stems. This hummingbird and butterfly magnet has pleasingly fragrant grayish- green foliage with heavy flowering occurring from June until frost. Dance partners include Lavandula 'Hidcote' or Salvia 'Blue Hill'. Plant in well- drained soil. Drought tolerant once established. Purple Hyacinth Bean Vine Hyacinth beans are fun to grow, they are self-sowing annuals and can grow in full sun to partial shade and are fairly drought tolerant once established. They sprout easily and grow quickly reaching 20 feet or more - a very vigorous vine and bloomer - blooming all summer to frost.
Grow these on your fence, arbor or even as a ground cover - a perfect heirloom vine for your cottage garden! Oh, and don't forget the butterflies, bees, hummingbird moths and hummingbirds that frequent the flowers - they'll love them, too!
Ice Plant Hearts and Flowers Aptenia cordifolia (Aizoaceae)
Aptenia cordifolia is a perennial evergreen herb with small, simple, heart-shaped, dark green succulent leaves. leaves. The moderately thick, succulent stems are flexible and easily snapped. They appear to crawl along the soil and hug the ground forming a tight, almost clipped appearance. Plants grow no taller than about 3 to 4 inches. The glossy foliage sparkling in the sun makes a superb backdrop for the purplish red daisies like flowers that blossom nearly year-round. The flowers are small with numerous petals bright pink to purple and they open only in sun. The fruits are minuscule capsules. This charming dwarf succulent makes an excellent annual ground cover in a small landscape or rock garden. It is also grown in a hanging baskets. Ice Plant - Pink Delosperma cooperi ‘Rosea’
Native to South Africa, this ice plant species typically forms a vigorous, succulent, spreading, evergreen ground cover in warm winter areas of the United States. However, north of USDA Zones 7, it is at best semi-evergreen and is not reliably winter hardy. This is a succulent mat- forming plant that typically grows to 3” tall and spreads quickly to 24” or more. Daisy-like, bright red-purple flowers (to 2” diameter) cover the plant with bloom from June to September. The neon-like intensity of the flower color and length of bloom greatly enhance the ornamental interest of these plants. Succulent, fleshy, cylindrical, medium green leaves. Foliage is covered with transparent flakes that somewhat resemble tiny pieces of ice, hence the common name. Ice Plant - Yellow Delosperma nubigenum
Yellow Ice Plant is a fast growing spreading succulent. This groundcover likes full sun and does very well in Arizona. This is a very drought resistant groundcover and is a great accent in desert or tropical landscapes. It is also cold hardy and usually doesn’t get any frost damage. Yellow Ice Plant spreads up to 4 feet wide and only 8 inches high. It has bright yellow flowers that bloom off and on throughout the year. Indigofera -Pink Indigofera kirilowii "Pink"
Indigofera kirilowii is a dense, suckering shrub or sub shrub which typically grows 2-3' (less frequently to 4') tall. Features dense, axillary racemes (4-5" long) of pink, pea-like flowers which bloom heavily in June and July and sometimes continue intermittently to September. Compound pinnate leaves (each with 7-11 rounded leaflets) are bright green and 4-6" long.
Jasmine ‘Maid of Orleans’ Jasminum sambac ‘Maid of Orleans’
This everblooming jasmine has bushy growth and does particularly well on windowsills. We find that the fragrance of the white flowers somehow clears the air. So set one of these plants on the sill, sit in a nearby chair and... breathe... You will discover what others have discovered: the clarity of this fragrance is unrivaled in all of nature. It is well known in Asia for its use in teas and religious observances.
Jasmine Night Blooming Cestrum nocturnum
This sprawling shrub has glossy, smooth, simple leaves 4-8 in long. The long vine-like stems can form a mound up to 10 ft across, but it seldom gets more than a 4 ft across in cultivation. Night blooming jessamine blooms periodically throughout warm weather. Little greenish white tubular flowers rise from above the leaves all along the stem, followed by shiny white, fleshy berries. Although the flowers are not particularly showy to the eye, their sweet scent is heavenly. Coral Plant Feather Leaf Jatropha Jatropha Multifida
Jatropha multifida, commonly known as coral plant, is a single-trunked evergreen shrub or small tree that is native from Mexico through Central America to Brazil. It is now grown in tropical to sub- tropical areas throughout the world as an ornamental shrub featuring large, lobed and divided, orbicular leaves plus a long showy bloom of coral-red flowers. It typically grows in gardens to 6-10' tall, but in optimum conditions may occasionally reach 15-20' tall. Small flowers (each to 1/4" across) bloom for most of the year in terminal flat-topped clusters (compound cymes). Each orbicular leaf (to 12" diameter) contains 7-11 palmate finely divided lobes. All plant parts contain a toxic milky sap which is poisonous if ingested. Genus name from the Greek words iatros (physician) and trophe (food) are in reference to the edible seed (in very small quantities) of some species in the genus (not this one however). Specific epithet from Latin means much cleft in reference to the leaves. Jatropha Dwarf Spicy Jatropha integerrima
This subtropical evergreen shrub or small tree has glossy leaves and clusters of star shaped bright scarlet or vermilion flowers. The plant has a rounded or narrow domed form. The flowers are about 1 inch across and borne in multi-flowered terminal clusters slightly above the foliage almost all year round when growing in full sun to partial shade. Jatropha is a spectacular shrub in bloom, which is most of the year in warmer portions of the state, and spring to frost in colder locations. This super patio plant tolerates heat and drought while still looking good. Best flowering is in full sun, but plants will still remain attractive in partial shade. In tropical climates plants may grow 8 to 10 feet tall, but as patio plants or summer annuals they are usually 3 to 5 feet tall . Adapted to most well drained garden soils and can be grown in a variety of potting mixes; soil pH adaptable; responds well to supplemental fertilization. Use it as a summer accent where frosts are frequent or in a mixed shrub border where winters are warm. This plant makes a fine container plant on the patio or at poolside, which attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Kalanchoe Double Orange Kalanchoe, blossfeldiana ‘Double Orange’
Kalanchoe plants should be watered when the top of the soil is dry. Indoors they thrive when placed in a south-facing window or provided with artificial light. After flowers have faded, the plants should be cut back to encourage new growth and fertilized bi- weekly. Kalanchoes will continue to grow through spring and summer. To initiate the bloom cycle, provide plants with 14 hours of continuous darkness every day and withhold fertilizer from September through the end of December. Sometime during the end of the September-December period, the plants should set flower buds. Also do well on the patio. Kept in shade, the flowers will be brighter.
Kalanchoe Double Yellow Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ‘Double Yellow’
Kalanchoe plants should be watered when the top of the soil is dry. Indoors they thrive when placed in a south-facing window or provided with artificial light. After flowers have faded, the plants should be cut back to encourage new growth and fertilized bi-weekly. Kalanchoes will continue to grow through spring and summer. To initiate the bloom cycle, provide plants with 14 hours of continuous darkness every day and withhold fertilizer from September through the end of December. Sometime during the end of the September-December period, the plants should set flower buds. Also do well on the patio. Kept in shade, the flowers will be brighter.
Kalanchoe “Flap Jacks” Kalanchoe thyrisflora
Like most succulents, this plant grows best in bright light. It will even enjoy some direct sun. Move it outside for the summer, if you want. Just make the move a gradual one to avoid scorching its leaves. Be sure to bring it back indoors if the temperature drops below 50°F/10°C. Avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent rot. Water the potting mix or water from the bottom. Remember to always use room- temperature water when watering your plants. Paddle Plant is easy to grow in average room conditions, tolerating the dry air of heated homes well. The one thing it doesn't like is soggy soil.
Kalanchoe Red Kalanchoe, blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe plants should be watered when the top of the soil is dry. Indoors they thrive when placed in a south-facing window or provided with artificial light. After flowers have faded, the plants should be cut back to encourage new growth and fertilized bi-weekly. Kalanchoes will continue to grow through spring and summer. To initiate the bloom cycle, provide plants with 14 hours of continuous darkness every day and withhold fertilizer from September through the end of December. Sometime during the end of the September-December period, the plants should set flower buds. Also do well on the patio. Kept in shade, the flowers will be brighter.
Kalanchoe, Variegated Albino A small succulent that grows to 1 to 2 feet tall with stems that spread out and root along the ground to form large colonies with thick and fleshy lavender gray-green leaves with a cream colored variegation along the scalloped leaf margins. In late spring to early summer appear the ¾ inch long bell-shaped reddish-brown colored flowers that hang in loose clusters from upright stems. Plant in full coastal sun to part shade or in bright light indoors in a well-drained soil. Irrigate regularly to occasionally from spring to fall but needs no supplemental water during winter. Hardy to around 25 F. Katie Pink Dwarf Ruellia Ruellia brittoniana 'Katie Pink'
Spectacular dwarf variety of this easy to grow, heat-tolerant perennial is loaded with light pink flowers through out the warm season. The large, petunia-like blooms are backed by dense clumps of narrow, dark green foliage. Quickly fills in as a ground cover. Drought tolerant when established. Herbaceous perennial. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. LA Iris Purple Chacahoula Cha Cha Iris fulva ‘Chacahoula Cha Cha’
CHACAHOULA CHA CHA (Ostheimer,r., R2000 ) 36” ML Dark blue purple with yellow signal. a popular and vigorous cultivar. LA Iris White Cajun Whirl Iris fulva ‘Cajun Whirl’
CAJUN WHIRL (Haymon, R87) 40" M Ruffled white with gold, m Veined olive. Aston x Charjoy's Mike LA Iris Various Iris fulva
Irises grow over the entire northern hemisphere, and there are a number of especially lovely species that are native to Louisiana and the other coastal southern states. While only 4 (some experts say 5) species make up what is known as "The Louisiana", because they do not cross with other groups or "series" of irises, there are several other groups of native Irises that deserve a place in your garden or around your pond. Native Irises are most carefree when used in a wetland area, but can also be grown in beds with other sun loving flowers. They are an excellent choice for a green friendly rain garden, too.
Lantana Dallas Red Lantana x 'Dallas Red'
Lantana 'Dallas Red' has a great show of fiery red, orange and yellow flowers which are irresistible to hummingbirds, butterflies and other useful pollinators. The brilliant blooms tend to turn red with age, but remain constant bloomers in zones with hot climates. A relative of Vervain and Lemon Verbena, this bold variety can be very invasive and is prohibited in some states because of this tendency. Though a very attractive plant, 'Dallas Red' as well as many other Lantana varieties are poisonous if ingested by humans or animals. In most cases, livestock or children fall victim to the plant's toxins when garden clippings are tossed into pastures or kids are enticed by its red and orange berries. Symptoms include upset stomach, sluggishness and in severe cases, paralysis. High levels of Lantanin toxins in the plant give Lantanas their poisonous quality and handling the plant itself can cause irritation or dermatitis for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Oddly enough, though toxic, Lantanas have traditionally been used in some cultures in decoctions and poultices for medicinal purposes. Though not advised, they have been used to treat digestive issues and to heal snakebites and wounds. An exceptional plant that is long-lasting, long-blooming and so easy to grow!
Little Volcano Lespedeza
A graceful, deciduous shrub that erupts with bright rosy wine flowers in the fall and normally a surprise bloom in the spring. Upright climbing branches are covered with small, dark green leaves. One plant forms a mound 5ft wide and 8ft tall. Plant in full sun. Well drained soil. Leucojum Lecojum aestivum
Summer Snowflake the later blooming selection which naturalizes beautifully; plant in large drifts near a stream or pond; mid-late spring; 12"-18"; 1594; 12+cm bulbs.
Pendulous pure white bells with green tips; moisture tolerant but also grows happily in a non-irrigated border; narrow, strap-shaped leaves; Heirloom bulb; 5-6 per sq. ft.; whz 4-8.
Liatris Dwarf Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Tolerant of poor soils, drought, summer heat and humidity. Intolerant of wet soils in winter. This blazing star cultivar is a small, compact, upright, clump-forming perennial which typically grows 2-2.5' tall. Features terminal spikes (6-15" long) of sessile, rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads (each to 3/4" across) appearing atop rigid, erect, leafy flower stalks. Multiple stalks arise from basal tufts of narrow leaves (to 10"). Flowers generally open top to bottom on the spikes. Blooms in summer. Ligularia Crested Farfugium crispatum japonicum
The long-stemmed leaves are leathery and glossy gray-green. Each leaf blade is shaped like a plump heart or rounded kidney bean. Leaf edges are ornately wavy or "crested." In fall and winter (or late summer), a tall branching flower stalk rises from the basal rosette. The stalk's many side branches carry clusters of yellow daisy blossoms. After insect pollination, dry seeds (achenes) develop. Grow 'Crispatum' in a fertile, organic-rich, evenly (and consistently) moist but well-drained soil. Dappled shade to bright full shade is best, although healthy plants can tolerate some direct sun rays in the early morning or early evening hours. Do not plant in soggy or flooding soils. Also do not overfertilize the wavy-leaved farfugium, which leads to weakened vigor and less beautiful foliage. Dry winds also causes this perennial to look peaked. Mulch over the rhizomes in regions where winters cause foliage to die back. In locations that are too cold in winter or too hot and sultry in summer, you may grow leopard plant as a houseplant. Use this cultivar as a groundcover or accent in a woodland garden, under an arbor, on the edges of streams or lakes, or in containers on the patio. The ruffle-edged foliage adds textural interest to the shaded landscape beautifully.
Ligularia Giant Farfugium tussilaginea ‘Giant’
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune old flower heads to encourage more blossoms. A robust perennial essential to the mixed border and back of perennial beds. Attractive massed in a woodland setting. Linear planting creates a striking seasonal hedge-like mass. Single plants become large enough for a focal point or surround for art. Naturalizes well around water features, streambeds or pools, and provides solutions for low, damp spots. Component of cutting gardens, both foliage and flowers.
Lily of the Nile Agapanthus africanus
Lily-of-the-Nile is native to South Africa (not the Nile River as the misleading common name suggests). A. africanus is an evergreen species that produces rounded clusters (umbels) of blue, funnel-shaped flowers atop stiff, upright, leafless, fleshy stalks (scapes) typically rising 18-24" tall above a dense mound of basal narrow, strap-shaped, linear, grass-like leaves. Blooms in summer. Foliage mounds are attractive when plants are not in bloom.
Lily of the Nile “Peter Pan” Agapanthus africanus ‘Peter Pan’
It is grown for the dark, glossy, strap-shaped leaves that arch gracefully. Flowers are borne on long erect stems 3 feet or taller. Agapanthus make good background plants or edging along a fence, driveway, or wall. These plants can thrive on conditions of neglect and naturalize readily. They also make excellent tub and container specimens and can be used in cut flower arrangements. In cold winter areas they can be brought indoors for the winter. This lily has light blue flowers with 1 to 1.5 foot flower stalk. Plant height is 8 to 12 inches tall. Foliage can remain evergreen in warmer climates. Lion’s Tail Leonotis nepetifolia An erect tropical annual, growing up to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall; originally from Africa but growing also abundantly in Suriname. The stem is angled (square); smooth leaves with toothed margins and the orange flowers are borne in spiny clusters. This plant is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies.
Lollipop Plant Paychystachys lutea
While this perennial also has the common name of shrimp plant because of it's bract - that can look like shrimp when they're beginning to grow. The flowers that bloom from spring until fall are white in color and small, which peep through the golden flower head (bract - can be 5 inches long). The long evergreen leaves are dark green and oval shaped, with large veins. It's definitely the flower head that make this attractive.