by hoot-admin | Sep 30, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
Some bromeliads are still blooming around Sarasota.Most bromeliads are tropical or subtropical and thrive outdoors in Florida’s warm, humid environment. Even though they prefer moisture and humidity, they are extremely tolerant of low-moisture conditions and...
by hoot-admin | Sep 29, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
This pretty, little Caesarsweed is the blacksheep of the mallow family, which includes all hibiscus species. In Florida, it is an invasive pest that drives out native species and takes over fields. It is listed as a category I invasive in Florida. In fact, one of...
by hoot-admin | Sep 28, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
Here in South Florida, the bees get a nice treat during late September through early November with the prolific honey flow from the Brazilian pepper trees. Brazilian pepper, also called Florida Holly, is an invasive species originating from South America. It is...
by hoot-admin | Sep 27, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
Lantana is a tropical shrub and a symbol of Florida landscaping, their salt-tolerance making them a favorite flower in seashore gardens. Lantana is known for the rounded clusters of small, brightly-colored flowers. The flowers may be yellow, orange, white, red and...
by hoot-admin | Sep 26, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
Sicklepod has small yellow flowers followed by sickle-shaped seed pods. It’s considered a nuisance weed by Florida farmers because it spreads quickly and grows prodigiously. Despite the reputation, Sicklepod can be a valuable addition to butterfly gardens as a...
by hoot-admin | Sep 25, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
Native to the Caribbean, the Cuban buttercup is the official flower of Cienfuegos, Cuba. The buttercup bush is one of the plants to first appear on sandy beaches after they’ve been ravaged by hurricanes. It is a perennial and reseeds readily. The rewards of growing...
by hoot-admin | Sep 24, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
A staple of Southern cuisine, okra originated in Africa and is related to the hibiscus which accounts for its beautiful flowers. Well suited for Florida’s hot, humid summers, okra has become increasingly valued as an edible ornamental. In addition to lovely...
by hoot-admin | Sep 23, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
Queen’s wreath is a stunning tropical vine that resembles wisteria with its drooping lavender flowers. The enormous flower clusters can reach up to a foot in length and completely cover this handsome plant in spring. Blooms will then appear on and off in summer...
by hoot-admin | Sep 23, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
If you have consumed castor oil before, you might be surprised to learn that castor beans contain one of the most poisonous substances in the world, ricin. Just one castor bean has enough ricin to kill an adult within a few minutes. Despite this grim quality, castor...
by hoot-admin | Sep 21, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
Violet Churcu (iochroma cyanea) is a stunning plant, instantly recognizable for its deep violet, trumpet shaped blooms which come in huge clusters. It grows very fast and needs regular pruning to keep it looking good & flowering like crazy. It’s pretty easy...
by hoot-admin | Sep 20, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
The Butterfly Vine is a summer bloomer and makes butterfly-shaped seed pods from early spring until late fall. The clusters of dainty yellow flowers on butterfly vine shine as brilliant as the summer sun, but it’s the seed pods that give the plant its name. The...
by hoot-admin | Sep 19, 2017 | The Year in Flowers
The butterfly ginger is one of the nicest gingers for the home landscape because its fragrance is so enjoyable. Pure white, showy flowers emerge from one large bud some time in late spring through summer. Each flower lasts about one day. Several hundred flowers can...
