Garden Adventures

Allium canadense (wild onion)

2013-05-20T05:30:00.000-04:00

Allium canadense is a small species of onion that grows wild over a large part of North America. In some areas it grow so prolifically it is considered a weed. In other areas it is listed as a threatened or endangered species.
These onions never bulb up, instead remaining the size of tiny scallions. The entire plant is edible either raw or cooked. In the kitchen they can be used the same way as conventional green onions.
Foliage is bright green and somewhat stringy in appearance. Leaves are flat in cross-section, not rounded and hollow like many other alliums, and can reach more than a foot in length.

In the warmest parts of its range this species grows during the cooler months and spends the summer in a dormant state. In northern states the growing season is reversed.

In early spring, it appears the plants are getting ready to flower when they send up blue-green stems topped by a large bud, but when the bud opens, mostly what you see is a group of small onion bulbils.

There are only a few white flowers scattered among the pearl-sized onions. Some of these bulbils sprout leaves of their own, forming a miniature plant on top of the stem from the mother plant.

When the plant goes dormant the bulbils dry up, loosen from the stem, and drop to the ground where they wait for the next growing season.

Allium canadense grows in USDA Zones 4-9 in full sun to part shade. Regionally popular common names for this species include wild onion, wild garlic, meadow onion, and meadow garlic.

Buy wild onion bulbils

Clivia miniata

2013-05-10T05:30:00.000-04:00

Clivia miniata is a spring-blooming perennial in sub-tropical regions, but also makes a durable houseplant in colder climates. The orange flowers open in a large cluster held just above the foliage. Individual flowers are about 2 inches across, with the entire cluster having a spread of 6-8 inches.

This species has such distinctive leaves that it is instantly recognizable even when not in bloom. Foliage is dark green, strap-like, leathery and two-ranked. Individual leaves are 2 inches wide and grow to about 1.5 feet in length, with the entire plant having a spread of 2.5 feet.

In containers, they supposedly prefer to be root-bound. I keep mine in 6-inch diameter pots, only removing them to divide the occasional offset. Roots are thick and fleshy. They thoroughly fill the container and are often visible on the soil surface.

Plants are slow-growing, but long-lived. I've been growing the same plant or its offsets for more than 30 years. They occasionally set seed, but are usually propagated from the offsets that develop near the base of the plant.
Clivia miniata is native to South Africa and is recommended for USDA Zones 9-11. It prefers mostly shady conditions, protected from direct sun. Flowering is supposed to be best following a cool dry winter.
There are also some cultivars that have yellow or reddish blooms.

Aechmea comata

2013-05-02T04:46:00.000-04:00

Aechmea comata is a spring-blooming species of bromeliad with reddish bracts, orange sepals and bright yellow flowers. The sturdy inflorescence is held well above the foliage so the color is visible from far away.

Pollinated flowers develop into reddish fruits that extend the period of visual enjoyment by another couple of months.

The foliage is stiff and heavily armored with spines. The lower part of each leaf has a distinctive depressed area often referred to as a "thumbprint".

The leaves are also marked with purple at the base, especially on the inner side.

Aechmea comata grows about a foot tall and wide, with individual leaves measuring about 2 inches across. I grow mine in about 50-75% sun.

Suessenguthia multisetosa

2013-04-18T05:21:00.000-04:00

Suessenguthia multisetosa is a large, somewhat sprawling shrub that blooms throughout the winter and early spring.
The large leaves (up to 18 inches long) lend a tropical look to the landscape when the plant is not in bloom.

New growth is bronze-colored, especially on plants grown in full sun.

When the days shorten in fall, clusters of large hairy buds form at the tip of each stem.

Several lavender-pink flowers at a time open from each cluster throughout the flowering months. Individual flowers are tubular and 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
Young stems are flexible and often tend toward a pendant habit, but the main stems at the base of the plant thicken into sturdy trunks with age, often reaching 4 inches in diameter. A persistent leaf scar completely encircles the trunk.

The plant grows to around 10-12 feet tall if un-pruned, but can be maintained at a shorter height with periodic pruning. Just be sure not to trim off any growth in late summer or fall if you want winter blossoms.

This plant is about 8 feet tall.

Suessenguthia is native to Bolivia and is recommended for USDA Zones 9B-11. It grows well in full sun or half shade. In hot, tropical climates afternoon shade will help prevent the large leaves from wilting in the heat.

Billbergia 'El Jefe'

2013-03-21T05:05:00.000-04:00

Billbergia 'El Jefe' is a nice medium-sized hybrid that usually blooms in late winter for me. When shade-grown, the plant has a rich chocolate-brown color with white spots.

In higher light the foliage takes on a more pinkish cast. The plant grows about 12-18" tall with an arching inflorescence.

The petals of the flowers mimic the sepals; both are pale-colored with a blue tip.

They are a nice contrast to the showy red bracts on the scape.
After the flowers decline the sepals turn pink, extending the colorful life of the inflorescence.

Aechmea organensis

2013-02-28T05:03:00.000-05:00

Aechmea organensis is a compact-growing species suitable for small places. The plant reaches an overall height and spread of about 8 inches.
Blooming usually occurs in winter, when a red spike with intense blue flowers rises above the foliage. The inflorescence arches away from the center of the plant. The flowering only lasts for a couple of weeks, but the red spike will last a while longer.

Even when not in bloom, the plant is attractive, with distinctly purple leaf bases and tips.

There are other cultivars of this species available that grow larger or smaller, or have pink sepals.

Odontonema callistachyum (purple firespike)

2013-02-08T05:17:00.000-05:00

Odontonema callistachyum is a large tropical shrub with showy purple flower spikes all winter long. An inflorescence consisting of scores of tubular flowers develops at the tip of nearly every branch, providing an extended period of bloom. The flower spikes can reach nearly a foot long when fully developed. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to the inch-long blooms if they are in residence at the time of year when flowers are open.

The stems are herbaceous, becoming slightly woody at the base. The plant grows up to 8 feet tall and wide but can be kept pruned to about half that size. The growth habit is somewhat sprawling, so a little trimming back is usually required anyway. Pruning also forces additional branching and therefore more flowers. I usually do a final pruning in late summer so that new growth has a chance to mature before the initiation of flower spikes.
The leaves are large and give a tropical look to the landscape even when the plant is not in bloom. Individual leaves grow up to 8 inches long and nearly as wide.

Odontonema callistachyum is native to Mexico and Central America. It is recommended for USDA Zones 9 to 11. In colder pockets of Zone 9 the flowering season is often cut short by frost or freeze. In these areas it can be grown as a perennial shrub. It will flower in containers, but requires diligent pruning to keep it from becoming tall and lanky.
Flowering is best in full or half-day sun, but the foliage looks best if given a little shade during the summer.

Related reading: Odontonema strictum

Aechmea weilbachii forma pendula

2013-01-31T04:36:00.000-05:00

Aechmea weilbachii forma pendula is one of the few bromeliad species that has truly pendulous flower spikes. Many other species have lax or arching spikes, but these hang straight down far below the crown of the plant. That makes this Aechmea a perfect choice for hanging basket culture.

Aechmea weilbachii comes in three distinct forms and this is the pendulous one. The length of the bloom spike can be more than 2 feet.
Flowering occurs in winter and the inflorescence keeps good color for many weeks. Bracts are a rosy-pink color and flower petals are pale lavender. The bracts become darker as the bloom spike ages.
The leaves are long, narrow and flexible, giving a grass-like appearance to large clumps of the plant. Individual leaves are about an inch wide by 12-18 inches long. They are spineless or have only soft flexible spines near the base, making this a good choice for people who are turned off by more heavily armored species.
Offsets are produced on short, thin stolons.

Related reading: Aechmea weilbachii forma viridisepala

Tetradenia riparia (Iboza)

2013-01-25T05:11:00.000-05:00

Tetradenia riparia is a shrubby plant with highly fragrant foliage and spectacular winter flowers. The leaves are thick with a scalloped edge. Glandular hairs cover both sides of the leaf, giving it a sticky feel. They emit a strong scent that remains even when the leaf dries. In its native Africa, the leaves are added to stored seeds and grains to keep out weevils and other injurious pests. There are also many traditional medicinal uses. Simply inhaling the scent of the crushed leaves is supposed to relieve headaches.

In winter the tip of every branch is covered with clusters of snow-white flowers. Even the smallest of plants bloom. I've had them flower in a 4-inch pot with a flower spike taller than the plant itself. The blooming period may extend for more than two months as new buds continue to open at the branch tips. The species is semi-deciduous, depending on the climate, so in some locations the plants will be nearly bare when they come into bloom.

Tetradenia can grow to 8 or 9 feet in height, but is cold-sensitive, and only recommended for USDA Zones 10-11 when planting in the ground. At 30°F the plant completely defoliates, but will leaf out again from the bare stems. Fortunately, it thrives in containers. In slightly colder zones it may be grown as a perennial, but frost may come before the bloom. Even then, it's still worth growing for the scented foliage.

The species name, riparia, means growing on the banks of rivers, and that is where the plant is frequently found in its native habitat, as well as in dry wooded valleys and on hillsides. It grows well in full sun, but in hot climates it benefits from a little shade during the middle of the day.

The common name Iboza is a native Zulu word referring to its aromatic qualities, and that name is sometimes seen listed as the genus for the plant. Other common names include misty plume and ginger bush. Cultivars supposedly exist bearing pink or lavender flowers.

Aechmea kertesziae

2013-01-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Aechmea kertesziae is a colorful bromeliad that blooms en masse during the short days of winter. The plant grows about a foot tall and 12-18 inches wide. Multiple orange and yellow flower spikes emerge from plant clumps all at the same time making for quite a display.

Foliage is apple-green in color and has minimal spines along the leaf margins. Plants grow well in exposures ranging from full shade to mostly sunny. During the summer the plants look best if they get a little mid-day shade.
In the winter, the plants tolerate brief periods as low as 26°F without damage, as long as no frost forms on the leaf surface.

Buy Aechmea kertesziae plants

Carissa macrocarpa (natal plum)

2012-12-27T05:36:00.000-05:00

Carissa macrocarpa (syn. C. grandiflora) is a very attractive shrub that bears edible fruits. It is sometimes called natal plum, but it is not a plum, belonging instead to the Apocynaceae family.
Very fragrant white blooms appear near the stem tips whenever the plant is in growth. The fragrance doesn't carry far, so it's best enjoyed up close. Individual flower are five-petaled and about 2 inches across. Pollinated flowers are followed by 1-3 inch long reddish fruits.

When the fruit turns dark red, starts to soften, and gives slightly under gentle pressure, it's time to pluck it off and pop it in your mouth. Even fully ripe fruits have a slightly milky sap, but it is undetectable when eaten whole.

Each fruit contains a few small brown seeds that are soft enough to chew or swallow. The chewed seeds do detract somewhat from the cranberry/raspberry/strawberry flavor, so I usually swallow them whole or spit them out.
The plant can be relatively slow growing, but eventually reaches 8 feet. Branching often takes on a layered look, and the stems have a cluster of sharp spines at each leaf node.

The 2-inch diameter rounded, leathery leaves are very dark green and have a glossy sheen.

The entire plant exudes a milky sap when injured. Some low-growing and thornless cultivars exist that are used commercially as groundcovers.
Carissa macrocarpa is native to South Africa and will grow in sun or shade. It is drought-tolerant and resistant to salt spray, making it popular on oceanfront properties. It is recommended for USDA Zones 9B-11.

Chayote (Sechium edule)

2012-11-28T04:49:00.000-05:00

Chayote (Sechium edule) is a perennial squash that will produce well for several years. The vines grow rapidly and can extend more than 50 feet from the base of the plant. This requires a strong support. A sturdy fence or horizontal trellis is ideal, as it keeps the fruit within reach and easy to pick. Other alternatives would be to plant on a vertical trellis or small tree. The vine attaches itself and climbs by means of tendrils that curl around whatever support is available.

Chayote will grow across the ground like other squash, but they take up a tremendous amount of space in the garden and you'll have to pick through the vines to find the mature fruits. Leaves are similar to most other cucurbits and grow to about 8 inches in diameter.

Chayote are native to a wide swath of Central America and have been cultivated there since pre-Columbian times. A long growing season is required, as the formation of flower buds isn't initiated until the days shorten in fall. It takes about another month for the flowers to develop and open, then an additional month for the fruit to grow and mature. It is recommended for USDA Zone 8 or higher.

Flowers grow on a stalk emerging from the leaf axils. They produce a lot of nectar and chayote is said to be one of the best honey plants. Female flowers are at the base of the stalk, one per stalk. The male flowers open in sequence on the elongating stalk. In frost-free areas, crops may be harvested in both spring and fall, and older plants may yield several hundred fruits per year.
Individual fruits typically reach about 6 inches in diameter, but they are usually harvested at a smaller size for commercial production. Multiple varieties exist, some with deeply furrowed or very spiny skin. The base of the fruit is distinctively grooved or puckered.

The chayote squash is prepared by peeling and then boiling, steaming or baking. It's also possible to cook it first and then remove the skin, as is done with most winter squash. The skin of fruits picked before they reach full size is tender and edible after cooking, like summer squash. The sap from the raw cut fruit can cause skin irritation or numbness in some individuals. I experience some temporary numbness in my fingertips after peeling raw fruit, but I find it less bothersome than wearing gloves. The squash remains firm after cooking and has a mild, slightly buttery flavor. There is a large single seed at the center of each fruit that has a delectable nutty taste. The tendrils and young shoots are edible when steamed, and unlike many "edible" shoots or vines, these have a pleasant taste.

The large tuberous roots can also be dug up and eaten as a vegetable after cooking. Older roots can supposedly weigh up to 20 pounds. It may be possible to dig up a root and carefully remove it without affecting the health of the plant, but I've never tried it.
The rest of the root system spreads out over a 12-foot diameter area, so give it plenty of room and only plant shallow-rooted plants within the root zone. A full sun location is best for fruit production. In regions where the top inch or so of soil freezes in the winter, a thick mulch applied in fall will protect the crown of the plant until growth resumes in the spring.

Excess harvest can be stored by wrapping the squash in newspaper and keeping it in a cool location. The squash is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, zinc, copper and manganese, and it is also a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium and potassium. The green shoots are even more nutritious.
In some regions, the strong dried stems are woven into baskets and hats.

Luffa aegyptiaca

2012-11-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Luffa aegyptiaca is an annual climbing vine that produces a fibrous, sponge-like fruit commonly used in many bath and body products. These natural plant-fiber sponges are used in the bath or shower to gently exfoliate skin, in the kitchen to scrub pots, pans and non-stick cookware, or outdoors to wash cars, trucks and boats.

Luffa requires a long growing season. If planted early enough in the year, a few fruits will form in the spring that ripen by fall. During the long hot days of summer, pollination is inhibited, but resumes with the shorter days of autumn. If you have a 10-12 month growing season, you'll get a bumper crop of luffas at the end of the year.
The showy yellow male flowers open one at a time on an elongating upright stem.

Female flowers are solitary with a pre-formed fruit. Individual blooms are about 3-4 inches in diameter.

Pollinated flowers result in a rapidly growing fruit that eventually reaches 15-18 inches in length. There are other cultivars of luffa; they may be longer and thin, short and thick, or with ridges on the skin. Young fruits that are up to 6 inches in length may be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. In China, the flowers, leaves, and young shoots are also eaten.

As older fruits reach maturity, the skin changes from dark green to yellow-green. Finally it turns brown and dry. At this point it's ready to harvest for the fibrous sponges. Harvest as soon as the skin turns brown. Clip the fruit off to avoid damaging the vine because more fruits are still forming. When the skin is dry and brittle, crack it open and peel off the outside.

Inside you'll find a beautiful luffa that may be any shade of brown to nearly white. Shake out the seeds and wash the fiber thoroughly to remove plant sap. Dry it in the sun and your luffa is ready to use. Leave it whole for use in the bath, or cut it into conveniently sized pieces for other uses.

Luffa aegyptiaca is native to tropical Africa and Asia. The vine grows more than 30 feet long, so give it plenty of vertical space. They'll quickly climb a trellis or fence and cover adjacent trees or shrubs. Grow in full sun for best flower and fruit production. Here's a photo of one of mine covering a sabal palm.

Buy luffa seeds!

Sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

2012-11-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

Helianthus tuberosus is a species of sunflower that produces edible tubers commonly referred to as sunchokes. The plants grow 6-10 feet tall, depending on variety, and are covered with bright yellow sunflower blooms all summer long. The flowers are about 3 inches in diameter and lightly fragrant. Each plant sends up multiple stems that generally remain unbranched until flowers start to form.

In the fall, as the days shorten and become cooler, the plants decline and turn brown. In short-season growing areas, frost may be the determining factor for the end of growth. Once the plants are dry and brittle, it's time to dig the tubers. Most of the edible portions will be within 12-18 inches of the main stem and within 8 inches of the soil surface. I dig a circular perimeter around the plant and then work toward the center excavating the tubers. In sandy soils I do most of the digging with my hands. It's easier to find small tubers this way. In heavier soils a shovel or potato fork works well.

It seems that sandy soil also produces knobbier tubers, while heavy soils produce smoother, more compact tubers. The photo above shows tubers dug from heavy, mucky soil, while the photo below shows the same variety grown in almost pure sand.

Here is a photo of some tubers grown in compost:

The harvest will consist of tubers ranging in size from tiny pips to pieces weighing a couple of ounces. The total yield per plant averages 2-4 pounds in typical garden conditions, although yields as high as 6-10 pounds have been reported for commercial plantings. Any pieces you miss while digging will remain dormant over the winter and then grow new plants as the soil warms in the spring.
A few named varieties exist that have been selected for skin color, yield, or tuber shape. Some have reddish skin and some have more torpedo-shaped tubers.

The harvested sunchokes should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container, where they'll keep for several weeks. If they become dehydrated they'll feel rubbery, but they'll firm up again when soaked in water.
After they are washed and lightly scrubbed, sunchoke tubers can be eaten either raw or cooked. The raw tubers have a sweet, crisp quality like jicama or water chestnuts, and are excellent alone or thinly sliced in salads. They can be added to stir-fries, soups and stews. They can also be cooked like potatoes.

Nutritionally, sunchokes are a very good source of iron, and a good source of thiamin, phosphorus and potassium. The carbohydrates in the tuber are stored as inulin, which breaks down into fructose rather than glucose during digestion. For diabetics, this makes it a good substitute for other starchy foods like potatoes.

Helianthus tuberosus is an annual, only living for one season, but the buried tubers that re-sprout in the spring give it a perennial growth habit. The species is native to the eastern half of North America, and many Native American tribes consumed the tubers which they called sun root. In some regions the plants and tubers are mysteriously known by the misleading and nonsensical name of Jerusalem artichokes, even though there is absolutely no connection to either Jerusalem or artichokes!

Buy sunchoke tubers!

Odontonema strictum (Firespike)

2012-11-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Odontonema strictum is a great shrub for late summer through early winter blooms. The red tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Also known as firespike or cardinal's guard, this plant grows 3-5 feet tall in full sun to half shade. Blooms appear in clusters at the tips of the stems and the inflorescence continues to elongate throughout the flowering period.

Often, the flower spike will take on a crested form as the season progresses.

Firespike is classified as an herbaceous perennial, since it doesn't form woody stems. The broad green leaves are about 6 inches long, and deer are known to feed on the lush foliage.
Odontonema strictum is native to Central America and is recommended for USDA Zones 8-11. Frost will damage the foliage, but the plants quickly re-sprout from remaining green stems, or from the crown of the plant at soil level.

Plants are very drought-tolerant once established, but thrive in evenly moist soils.
O. strictum is considered to be synonymous with O. cuspidatum.

Related reading: Odontonema callistachyum

Carica papaya

2012-10-25T05:34:00.000-04:00

Carica papaya is a fast growing tropical herb that produces delicious fruit. Many different strains exist, producing fruit sizes ranging from 1 to 20 pounds. The flesh color also varies from plant to plant and may be yellow, orange or reddish.
Papaya grows rapidly. Under ideal conditions flowers and fruit will be produced the first year from seed, often starting when the plant is only 4-5 feet tall. It takes 3-4 months from flower to mature fruit. When the skin is mostly yellow it's time to pick the fruit, cut it open, and enjoy! Even the black seeds are edible and have a peppery taste similar to nasturtium. Mature green fruits may be cooked as a vegetable. A single plant will produce 2-3 ripe fruits per week.

Leaves are palmate and deeply lobed, often growing more than 2 feet across. In the East Indies, young leaves are cooked and eaten like spinach. Crushed leaves wrapped around a tough cut of meat before cooking will help tenderize it. The milky latex exuded by immature fruits is also collected and used in commercial meat tenderizers.

Old plants form thick trunks that support a branching canopy of foliage. Branching is often stimulated by some injury to the growing tip, such as a light freeze. This 10-year old papaya has a trunk circumference of 4.5 feet at the base.

Carica papaya has a complex sexual morphology. Plants may be male, female or hermaphrodites. All flowers are very fragrant.

female flower

male flower

Papaya is believed to have originated in Central America, but is now cultivated in tropical regions around the world. They are recommended for USDA Zones 10-11, but due to their rapid maturity, can be successfully grown in Zone 9 as well. I have had several plants live more than a decade in my Zone 9B garden. Most references indicate that productivity rapidly declines with age, but I find older, branched specimens produce far more fruit than young, single-trunk plants.

Podranea ricasoliana

2012-10-11T05:17:00.001-04:00

Podranea ricasoliana is a vigorous vining plant that blooms throughout the warm months of the year, when the plant is actively growing. The pink flowers appear in clusters on the ends of new growth. Each flower is about 2 inches across and lightly fragrant. Unfortunately the fragrance doesn't travel, so you'll have to stick your nose right into the bloom to catch the scent. There are about 18-20 flowers per cluster, opening several at a time.

Although this is a vining plant, the stems do not twine, grasp, or root onto their supports. Instead, the long flexible stems head skyward and simply lean or lay across supporting objects, which are often adjacent trees or shrubs. It quickly and easily climbs to 30 feet or more. When stems reach the top of a tree they arch over, and either flower or head back to the ground and form another plant.

If no vertical objects are nearby to climb, the stems run across the soil surface until they find a place to climb. Wherever stems contact the soil, they'll send out roots and start a new plant so it's imperative to keep horizontal shoots clipped off. Old plants develop a woody trunk that is deeply furrowed with a corky texture.

Leaves are dark green, pinnate, opposite on the stem, and 6-8 inches in length.

It's unclear where Podranea originated, but it is common in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The plant will grow in nearly any location, surviving heat, drought, and several degrees of frost. Flowering is best in full sun. It is recommended for USDA Zones 9-11, but may survive as a perennial in slightly colder locations.
Common names include pink trumpet vine and Port St. Johns creeper.

Doritis pulcherrima

2012-09-18T05:30:00.000-04:00

One of the most reliable orchids for late summer and fall blooms is Doritis pulcherrima. Even the smallest plants rarely fail to send up a spike each year.
This genus is closely related to Phalaenopsis and much hybridization between the two has been done over the years. The Doritis genes bring smaller plant size and a more erect flower spike to their progeny.
The natural species usually only has a leaf spread of 4-6 inches and several plants can grow comfortably together in a 4-inch pot.

They multiply by clumping so it's typical to see plants grouped together in a single pot. When they fill the pot it's time to divide them, giving each one its own space. I like to divide in the spring, giving the young plants all summer to get established and ready for the annual bloom.
Individual flowers are about 3/4 inch across, with petals strongly recurved back toward the stem. The blooms open a few at a time, progressing up the spike, which continues to elongate as new buds are produced. The flowering period easily lasts for 2-3 months, with the spikes often reaching 3 feet in height. In high light the spikes are mostly vertical, but in shade they tend to bend toward the light.

Doritis pulcherrima is a fairly cold-tolerant species and survives brief temperatures in the upper 20°F range if situated under dense trees or shrubs during cold snaps. It also tolerates higher light and drier conditions than its Phalaenopsis relatives.

Turnera ulmifolia

2012-09-14T05:30:00.000-04:00

Turnera ulmifolia (TERN-er-uh ul-miff-FOLE-lee-uh) is an ever-blooming shrub that thrives in subtropical gardens. The bright yellow flowers each last only a day, but new flowers are continuously produced. The plant grows about 3 feet tall in a single season and requires very little care. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in nearly all soil types. The dark green leaves are usually about 2-4 inches in length and the flowers are about 2 inches in diameter.

Turnera ulmifolia is sometimes called yellow alder, but it is not an alder so that is a poor choice for a common name. There's really no reason to call it anything other than Turnera. It is native to the Caribbean and is recommended for USDA Zones 9-11. A hard freeze may knock it back to ground level, but it will quickly recover when the weather warms. In colder locations it can be grown as an annual. The plant reseeds itself easily and you're likely to find seedlings coming up all around the garden. The seedlings are easily identified by the distinctive leaf, so they can be pulled, transplanted, or allowed to remain where they sprout, depending on your preference.

Although you may find seedlings coming up in random locations, they generally aren't prolific enough to become weedy. The flowers attract butterflies, especially Gulf Fritillaries and Sulphurs.

Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus)

2012-08-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

Plectranthus amboinicus is a tender perennial herb with many common names including Cuban oregano, Spanish thyme, oregano brujo, broadleaf thyme and big thyme.
The leaves are chopped and used with stuffing, salads and meats. It can also be used as a substitute for oregano or sage. If you've picked a few leaves for use in the kitchen and didn't use them all, do not refrigerate what's left. This is a tropical herb and refrigerator temperatures quickly cause brown deteriorating spots. Excess leaves store very well in a sealed plastic baggie or container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
The leaves are large, fleshy and covered with fine hairs.

In full sun the leaves are generally 3-4 inches in diameter, but with a little shade they can easily reach 6" or more in length. Long stems tend to flop over, so keep the plant compact by frequent harvest of the growing tips for use in the kitchen.

This plant is recommended for USDA Zones 9B-11. In areas that experience frost, Cuban oregano is best grown as an annual during the warm months. In frost-free areas the plant is perennial, developing a woody stem at the base and growing about 2 feet in height.

Older plants are not as vigorous, so I like to plant fresh starts each spring that quickly become large specimens. Cuban oregano thrives in sun or part shade. There is also a variegated form that is slower-growing.

Alpinia galanga

2012-08-04T05:02:00.000-04:00

Alpinia galanga is the spice that is most frequently used in Thai food. While it is botanically known as a ginger, and is even sometimes known as Thai ginger, for culinary purposes it is referred to as galangal. The flavor is more peppery when compared to ginger root.

The older, tan-colored rhizomes have the most intense flavor, while the new tender sections are milder. If you often flavor your cooking with ginger, this species is a good one to grow because the rhizomes may be dug at any time of the year for use in your favorite recipes. unopened flower buds are also edible when steamed.

The canes are evergreen when grown in frost-free locations, and flowers will appear at the tops of the older stalks. The erect canes grow 4-6 feet tall and individual leaves are 2-3 inches wide by 12-14 inches long.

Although they will grow in sun or shade, the plants perform best in moist environments. I had a clump growing for years in a part of the garden with no irrigation. It survived, but barely produced enough rhizomes to keep the clump going, much less have any for harvest. Since I moved the clump to an area that receives over-spray from the nursery irrigation I now have to harvest the rhizomes on a regular basis to keep the clump a manageable size.

Alpinia galanga is recommended for USDA Zones 8B to11.
Use it in curry pastes, stir-fries, soups and tea. Most cooks peel galangal before use. The rhizome is very dense and requires a longer cooking time than ginger, so it is usually cut in thin strips or crushed before being added to a recipe.

The rhizomes have been used in folk medicines to treat a wide range of ailments. It has strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Alpinia calcarata

2012-07-11T05:28:00.002-04:00

Sometimes called Snap ginger, Alpinia calcarata is a very easy evergreen species that blooms on old growth. Peak flowering occurs from late spring to early summer and the inflorescence is carried upright on the end of the cane. Leaves are long and narrow, about 1 to 2 inches wide by 14 inches long.

The thin-stemmed canes arch gracefully from the weight of leaves and flowers. The inflorescence always grows erect, regardless of the degree of arch in the cane.

The clumps grow 3-4 feet in height and spread wider as they multiply. Rubbing or bruising the foliage releases a pleasantly spicy fragrance.

Alpinia calcarata is recommended for USDA Zones 9-11. It is native to India and grows in sun or shade.

The rhizome is not considered edible, but laboratory tests in Sri Lanka concluded that the rhizomes have strong aphrodisiac qualities (at least in rats).

Alpinia nutans

2012-07-07T06:30:00.000-04:00

Among the many types of gingers, Alpinia nutans is one that is grown primarily as a foliage plant because it supposedly rarely flowers in cultivation. It may just need the right cultural conditions. As you can see, the flowers are beautiful and it's one of the earliest gingers to bloom in spring. The erect inflorescence contrasts nicely with the dark green foliage.

The flower spikes appear on the ends of mature canes, so don't cut down the foliage in winter or you won't get blooms.

Unopened buds are soft pink...

and pop open to reveal the vivid red and yellow lip.

This plant is sometimes known as Dwarf Cardamom or False Cardamom. The foliage has a very pleasant cardamom scent when bruised, but this is not the species that produces the spice called cardamom.

The broad-leafed evergreen canes grow 3-5 feet tall and individual leaves grow about 3½ inches wide by 15 inches long. The canes crowd together in a dense clump and can live for years if not damaged by cold.

Alpinia nutans is recommended for USDA Zones 8-11. In Zone 8 the canes may freeze to the ground in the winter, then send up new growth in the spring. The foliage looks its best when grown in shade to part-sun locations.

Alpinia zerumbet (shell ginger)

2012-06-29T04:45:00.000-04:00

Shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) is one of the largest-growing of the commonly cultivated gingers, typically reaching about 8-10 feet in height. The pendulous flower spike emerges from the tip of mature canes. It consists of an 8-inch long cluster of individual flowers. Blooms may appear at any time of the year, but they are most likely in spring and early summer.

Leaves are dark green and about 4½ inches wide by 2 feet long. The foliage is evergreen and is only damaged by severe freezes.

The bruised leaves are very fragrant. Dried leaves and stems make an excellent addition to dry or simmering potpourris.
The plant spreads by rhizomes and it doesn't take long to form a massive clump. It makes an excellent background or screening plant if you have the room for it. Old dried canes and leaves remain standing for a long time and manual removal is required to keep the plant looking its best.

The large rhizomes are not edible, but the leaves have many reputed uses in folk medicines.
Alpinia zerumbet is native to eastern Asia and is recommended for USDA Zones 8-12. In Zone 8 the canes may freeze back each year before maturity, preventing the production of blossoms.

There is a variegated form of shell ginger that grows about 6 feet tall, and a dwarf variegated form that only gets about a foot tall.

Neoregelia 'Yellow Devil'

2012-06-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

Neoregelia 'Yellow Devil' is a very colorful bromeliad variety. If you give it some sun, the plant rewards you with shades of yellow, orange, pink and red. The plants shown here were all grown in full afternoon sun. More of the reddish coloration develops as the plant reaches maturity and starts to bloom.

It grows to be a fairly large plant. In a 6-inch pot the plants get about 2 feet across, but in the ground they'll get even larger. The undersides of the leaves show nice red striations.

Consider viewing it from below by mounting in a tree or growing in a hanging basket. And when the sun shines through the leaves...

wow!

Neoregelia 'Yellow Devil' tolerates brief temperatures as low as 26°F without any damage.