and Garden Magazine (1) and the Ft. Lauderdale News Literature Cited and Sun-Sentinel. Classes have been conducted at the Fair- child Tropical Garden on growing daylilies. I will conduct 1. Prospero, A. 1984. Daylilies for South Florida. South Florida Home and Garden. Nov. 36-39. an additional one there and one at Flamingo Gardens in 2. Stout, A. B. 1934. Daylilies. The Macmillan Co., New York. p. 31-33. Ft. Lauderdale during the coming spring. Frequent re 3. Wooten, J. 1972. Performance of modern named daylilies in south quests from garden clubs for daylily presentations are hon Florida. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 85:438-40. ored. A memorial planting of tropical daylilies is now fea 4. Wooten, J. 1975. Breeding daylilies for warm regions. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 88:435-39. tured at the Fairchild Tropical Garden. Tropical daylilies 5. Wooten, J. 1977. Cold tolerance for daylilies bred for warm climates. have recently found homes in the Bahamas, Key West and Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 90:85-86. Hawaii. 6. Wooten, J. 1979. The versatility of the modern daylily. Proc. Fla. State Daylilies, when warm-winter tolerant, are superior Hort. Soc. 92:220-21. 7. Wooten, J. 1982. Daylilies, South Florida's own. Fairchild Tropical for southern Florida with year round attractive foli Garden Bui. 37(3): 15-20. age and great beauty when in bloom. As perennials, best 8. Wooten, J. 1984. Growing daylilies in a subtropical climate. The Day- of all, their plants multiply and their blossoms become lily J. 38(2): 153-55, 173-75. more numerous each year, magnifying the display, year by year. They could become a part of an overdue revolution in landscape and gardening color in the southern Florida region.

Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 100:161-163. 1987.

BROMELIADS FOR SOUTH FLORIDA LANDSCAPE

Harvey R. Bullis, Jr. there are between 2500 and 4000 valid . Several Bullis Bromeliads new species are described each year. And lastly, hybridiza Princeton, Florida 33032 tion activity has been conducted for over 100 years and has recently become intense. As of 1974, approximately 1950 Abstract. There are many species of bromeliads that naturally bromeliad hybrids have been registered (2), and this repre occur in full-sun habitats throughout the tropical Americas. sents only a small portion of the hybrids made. Some of these have adapted well in the southern Florida en Although bromeliad gardens of some stature began to vironment and offer colorful new character to landscaping. In appear in the two decades following World War II, serious addition, sun tolerant hybrids offer exciting new colors for and considered use of the family in a tropical landscape bright-light ground cover. Since most species are both epiphy was rare, if it existed at all. Perhaps one of the earliest to tic and xerophytic, there appear to be few limitations for use appreciate and use bromeliads for landscapes was the in on rock and stone walls, in trees, on driftwood logs, or in any ternationally known architect Roberto Burle-Marx of imaginative setting. Some of the varieties tested will be dis . His designs using bromeliads in the 1950's and cussed. 1960's attracted attention in Brazil and other South Amer ican countries. The spectacular use of giant Vriesea im- Bromeliads for tropical landscaping in Florida have perialis for the roof gardens of the Foreign Ministry Palace been given only modest consideration up to the present in Brasilia was a classic example. In the early 1970's a time, with interest largely from collectors and hobbyists. southern Florida landscaper began importing large Ad- This is indeed surprising when you consider the wide rolepis skinneri collected in the wild in . It was a ranges of characters available in bromeliads. striking addition to Florida horticulture, and to many land In the first popular book to discuss this group of plants scape architects and contractors this species continues to (1) the authors summarized some of the special features of represent "the bromeliad" landscape to many com bromeliads in terms of foliage colors, variegations, flowers, mercial users. attractive fruit, and unusual shapes. These were for However, over the past15 years a large number of bromeliads in cultivation in 1964. Consider this partial list additional species have been introduced and tested in of foliage colors: red, maroon, or purplish, within13 gen southern Florida with clear success. Two important factors era and 42 species; pink, or pinkish, 8 genera and 13 have been at work. First, bromeliads are tropical to sub species; golden or yellow-green, 4genera and 5 species; tropical plants and have minimum temperature limitations silvery, 4 genera and 5 species; colored centers, 9 genera that cannot be ignored. Second, literature on the care and and 17 species; colored leaf tips, 4 genera and 9 species; culture has been inadequate for horticultural purposes. longitudinal stripes, 4 genera and 9 species; spotted or Experience has shown that the various species tested mottled, 7 genera and 14 species; hieroglyphsor zig-zags, have demonstrated widely differing tolerances in minimal 3 genera and 5 species; and, crossbanding, 9 genera and temperatures. As might be expected, species normally 24 species. Variability in the other features described is found at the higher altitudes where frosts and drastic tem similarly great. A few other familial parameters are of in perature changes are the norm can withstand some of the terest. Opinions differ but most authorities believe that worst winter conditions in southern Florida. On the other

Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 100: 1987. 161 hand, these high altitude species rarely do well during Other large Aechmeas include A. blanchetiana, A. summer conditions. Many do not adapt at all. Similarly, eurycorymbus, and A. mulfordii, all of which have somewhat low altitude species found throughout Central and South similar foliage and branching yellow-orange blooms. A. America and the Caribbean are generally susceptible to eurycorymbus, if our identifications are accurate, also has damage at lower temperatures, some showing stress when two forms—green and reddish. The reddish form will turn temperatures fall below 45-50° F, many when the temper a golden yellow in full sun, and only grows to about half atures fall below 35-40° F, and almost all when there is a the greenhouse size of 5 feet. hard frost. However, experience is again providing in Another medium sized plant is lueddemanniana sights to plant protection for many of these species and the which has variegated into forms 'MEND' with white-mar use of coverings, fogging, misting, and sprinkling permits gined leaves and 'Alverez' with white mid-striped leaves. A. many sensitive species to survive harsher conditions. lueddemannia has been hybridized many times and a cross While a majority of known bromeliad species adapt well with A. weilbachii leodiensis has produced a beautiful, up to the southern Florida temperature environment, barring right leafed, almost irridescent coppery-red form that freeze conditions, most of these have some shade require seems to enjoy almost any lighting condition—bright sun ment. Some species have demonstrated strong light toler being the best for color. ance to full sun, and these will be discussed in the follow In Trinidad Aechmea aqualega can be found in almost ing. any habitat. It grows on rocks immediately above high tide Most genera appear to have at least a few sun tolerant where it apparently gets a lot of salt spray. At the other species. Some, such as Tillandsia, include many species, sev extreme, it grows terrestrially and epiphytically on the eral of which can reach large dimensions and have attrac upper slopes of Mt. Arepo about 1800 feet altitude. This tive shape and color. However, Tillandsia sp. are generally species seems to thrive in southern Florida where the very slow growers and as yet there are few examples on leaves will turn to a deep maroon in full sun and show display. Another , Bromelia, has desirable characters heights and spreads of 5 to 6 feet. The beautiful yellow- in size, shape, and attractive blooms but also has numerous headed inflorescence with red bracts will hold color for spines along the leaf edge that preclude bloodless handl several months. ing. It has been in occasional demand by some tropical Ananas, the pineapple genus has many recognized American immigrants for under-window plantings as an species and a host of cultivars. Ananas comosus is now in intruder deterrent, which it would be if any of the species world-wide cultivation in several forms. This species, as were locally available. well as other Ananas, has developed spineless and vari Four genera have been widely tested since 1980 and egated forms all of which are attractive and suitable for have turned up many suitable species for full sun land bright light landscapes. The added attraction of edible scape. These are Aechmea, Ananas, Neoregelia, and . fruit is somewhat counter-balanced by the untidy nature The species of Aechmea used includes A. bracteata, a of unintended propagation which takes on an appearance moderately tall plant, (leaves to 5 feet) with a 6-8 foot in of chaos. Very little use of variegated pineapples have ap florescence. When grown in full sun, A. bracteata assumes peared in the United States, but in Puerto Rico very an attractive bottle-shape. It generally grows in epiphytic dramatic displays are frequently seen. conditions in but does well as a terrestrial when Some of the most colorful foliage in bromeliads is good root drainage is provided. There are two foliage vari found with the genus Neoregelia. These are medium to eties, one green and the other reddish. This species can be small plants. At one time, a 40-mile band of beach to the damaged by a frost but usually will recover with some leaf Southwest of Copacabana, Brazil, was massively covered discoloration. A. bracteata does not usually bloom during with N. cruenta and N. carcharodon, where they thrived and the winter so it can be protected to some extent by covering were subjected to intensive all-day sun and almost constant with a cloth during a cold spell. This attractive plant has salt spray. They do the same in Florida and offer distinc very large spines on the leaf edge that look dramatically tive forms for landscaping. As the hardiness of these foreboding, but in truth are not difficult to handle. species is hybridized into other Neoregelia there may be no has been widely planted in southern limit to the range of full sun colors available. Florida with very good results. Initial planting of a mature Neoregelia is typically rosette-shaped. Many species plant (leaves 4 to 5 feet long) yields a large attractive in propagate on long stolons and can provide attractive and florescence the following spring. Offsets from bloomed colorful ground covers as well as accent plants. At the small plants generally develop a rich red color. Succeeding gen end of the spectrum is N. 'Fireball', an undescribed species erations of offsets diminish in mature sizes, which is prob that thrives in full sun conditions. Owing to the long sto ably due to either low or no fertilization of the plants in lons and infrequent flowering, 'Fireball' is ideal for hang landscape settings. ing baskets. It is very showy when stoloniferously cascading The largest Aechmea tested so far is a A. mariae-reginae, down a tree stump or from any variation in altitude. The a species found beside small brooks and streams in central plant will propagate at the rate of two or three stolons per Costa Rica. In nursery cultivation this species can have season (6-10 inches) and provide a bright splash of red in leaves that exceed 7 feet in length, with an upright cob-like sunny settings. Liberal use of fertilizers will change both inflorescence with long, bright pink bracts—a truly beauti growth rates and color. Other Neoregelia full sun colors are ful sight. When grown in full sun, A. mariae-reginae is smal golden yellow with red crosslines (N. kautskyi), bright red ler and more compact with attractive red foliage. Typically blotching (the hybrid 'Inca'), dark maroon (the hybrid 'De- epiphytic, this species does well as a terrestrial as long as xter's Pride'), and lime green-to-yellow/green with bright good root drainage is provided. red center (N. compacta).

162 Proc. Fla. State Hort Soc. 100: 1987. The genus Portea is known from eastern-central Brazil Brazil, have yielded several species of Hohenbergia that where most of the species are terrestrial in coastal areas. might offer new shapes and colors. As more directed col Portea petropolitana forms large beds of thin green leaves lecting and hybridizing takes place with a new awareness with black spines and tall reddish inflorescenses with bluish of interest in landscape applications, we can expect many flowers yielding blue berries. There are two forms avail new additions to our list of available species. able: P. var. petropolitana with a smaller, tighter floral head of more intense color, and; P. var. extensa, with a larger Literature Cited and lighter colored floral head. Other genera and many more species are now moving 1. Wilson, B. and C. Wilson. 1974. Bromeliads in cultivation. Hurricane into the southern Florida horticultural scene. Recent col House Publishers, Inc. Coconut Grove, FL. lections from the sandy beach area of the State of Salvador, 2. Anon. 1979. International checklist of bromeliad hybrids. Bromeliad Society, Inc. Los Angeles, CA.

Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 100:163-165. 1987.

HELICONIA AS A POT PLANT

Dexter Ball Manatee Sound Farm P.O. Box 14516 Bradenton, Florida 34280 Another continues to use it in high light interiors. But all this has taken much work in educating clients. Mark says Heliconia's Florida introduction by Broschat and Don- that on one of his northern trips he saw clients put his selman at IFAS in Ft. Lauderdale as a cut crop in 1984 and heliconia in cool, low-light greenhouses in midwinter—the its subsequent metamorphosis into a pot crop is a textbook opposite of what H. psittacorum requires, which is high light case of what historians call the Law of Unintended Effect: and heat. It has been a long process but now Kraft is being That which someone sets out to do (in this case, two plant viewed as a grower who knows heliconia well. And the scientists after a new cut crop) winds up spectacularly dif customers are responding. ferent than first envisioned. Such is the way of research, Now Mark is testing heliconia species to offer a year and, in this case, progress. For Florida cut crop growers, round assortment of blooms. He sees Heliconia angusta with few exceptions, it was a non-response (There is still a 'Holiday' a natural for winter 8-inch pot sales. He is look small high-margin, high-quality market which Florida ing at Tropical Nights® Pink' for spring sales since pink is growers can service. Hawaii, Jamaica and East Africa can a color people want then, and also 'Tropical Nights® not send to northern U. S. markets anything near the qual Tangerine' and 'Andromeda' for midsummer sales. ity which Florida growers can). Bill Colvin at Foliage Corp. of Florida in Plymouth is So Broschat and Donselman, listening to what growers in his third year of production. He gets $4.50 for a 6-inch are telling them, have now reduced their cut crop work pot plant and $1.50 for a 4-inch pot plant. As*a long-lasting and are testing ways of decreasing the size of heliconia pot blooming plant, which will continue to bloom under high plants. This area shows promise and is important to the light, it's a very successful item for Colvin. Although he future of Heliconia psittacorum, the species we are mainly thinks he'll see some price softening next year, he's de concerned with. The market wants a complete color range veloping new colors to help support margins in the future. of H. psittacorum in a 6-inch line produced year round. His main sale is to East Coast and Midwest garden centers, We're not there yet; we have the color range, but plants plus wholesalers who sell mainly to florists. are available only in summer, fall, and winter; rarely in the Lovell Farms in Miami has also been growing heliconia spring. since its Florida introduction. Jana Reid there emphasizes that heliconia is no different than any other new item: You've got to sell it. She compares it loosely to bird of Markets paradise when describing it to her customers. She has put Mark Friedrich at Kraft Gardens has been working on together several special promotions to regional grocery heliconia since its introduction as a pot plant. While he chains with very good results. All this marketing makes for sees heliconia's best use as a 6-inch pot he sees opportunity good margins—she's getting $8.00 for an 8-inch, 2-gallon in 8-inch. He thinks that for those growers willing to mar pot and $4.75 for a 6-inch pot. ket to their customers, and in heliconia's case this means Mark Wilson at Greendale Nursery in Miami puts teaching the customers, heliconia can be a continuing pro 'Golden Torch' and 'Andromeda' into 8- and 10-inch and fitable item. We're in a shake-out period, separating those 'Choconiana' into 6-inch pots. He sees a good continuing who are willing to really learn about a new crop from those market in the florist trade for 6- and 8-inch pot sizes and preferring to go on to other crops. Mark sees this happen ships these to customers in Europe where the margins are with every new introduction. He has stuck with it and is highest. He gets $4.00 for a 6-inch and $8.50 for an 8-inch apparently profiting. For example, he continues to profit pot. His customers like heliconia because it's new, exotic, ably sell 10- and 14-inch 'Golden Torch', a variety many compact and flowering. have discarded as too common, to select northern U.S.A. Bo Nye of Nye Brands in Lantana, Florida, is very and European accounts. One buyer planted it in a small pleased with his first crop and plans on expanding for Manhattan park and is getting enormous response. 1988.

Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 100: 1987. 163