Almost one year ago today, I wrote a blog post on a beautiful Handroanthus impetiginosus that I found in flower while on a mountain bike ride. This time, while driving out to a small nursery to buy my Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony‘, I ran across this gorgeous Handroanthus chrysotricha in full bloom. It is worthy of its own blog post. Handroanthus chrysotricha is…
It shouldn’t come as any surprise to those who frequent my blog that I am an avid grower of tropical hibiscus. Not only do I cultivate the many cultivars that have been created by hybridizers, I have even started growing my own hybrids with the goal of finding one beautiful enough to name. The jury is still…
When there is little information available on a plant, especially relating to cultivation in your area, the only way to learn more about it is to simply plant it. This was just the case with my Strophanthus boivinii. As anyone who regularly reads my blog knows, I am a big fan of Malagasy plants. When looking over the…
The Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula) is one of the most widely planted flowering trees in the world. You will find it growing throughout tropical and subtropical regions, mostly as an ornamental shade or street tree. It is a very fast grower in tropical climates, reaching sizes to 60 feet, but most commonly found growing to heights of…
A garden without fragrance is really no garden at all. After all, how can you create something made for the senses but leave out interest dedicated to the sense of smell? There is literally an endless supply of fragrant plants to choose from, so adding aroma to any garden should be easy. But believe it or not,…
I have a few old-timer friends that have been collecting plants and building their garden for over 40 years now. When they ask me where I get some of my rare plants and I tell them off the Internet, they just laugh. They remind me that “back in their day” they would either have to travel…
The first thing to come to mind when somebody mentions the word Croton I instantly think of Southern Florida. From what I have witnessed it must be one of South Florida’s most popular shrubs and this is due in part to a long history with the plant. For others, the first thing to come to mind might also be a…
I love growing tropical hibiscus. The many challenges that come from the endeavor are certainly subdued once you witness them in flower. The beautiful blooms attract attention from a great distance in the garden and some flowers have such unique colors and patterns that you’d think only an artist could come up with them. Currently my two favorite…