Florida Nursery Plant Sheets
6 Issues in this Publication (Showing 1 - 6)
Breadfruit - Artocarpus altilis
Common Name: breadfruit
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Moraceae
Native Range: Malaysia
Zone: 10 to 12
Height: 30.00 to 50.00 feet
Spread: 30.00 to 50.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Cherry of the Rio Grande – Eugenia Involucrata
The Cherry of the Rio Grande grows on a narrow shrub of the same name, that reaches an average of 5 meters tall and has dark green, glossy leaves. A Cherry of the Rio Grande is oblong and measures around 2 to 3 centimeters. This beautiful small tree has very attractive dark glossygreen waxy leaves and very ornamental bark. deep purple cherry sized fruit approximately 3 weeks from the time of flowering. Like a pomegranate, the remnants of the flower bud (called a persistent calyx) are prominent at the end of the fruit, appearing like green beaks. The showy white flowers are followed by fruits that emerge with a pale pink to red skin and mature to a dark red and almost purple-black color. The skin is thin and hides a paler-colored flesh and one to two small white seeds The fruit has a sweet juicy cherry flavor eaten fresh or can be picked at maturity, frozen for later use or used in jellies, jams and juices. The flavor is described as a combination of cherry and plum, and some even say hints of banana.
Summer Spinaches Take the Heat
Tropical spinaches will grow in containers, as well as in the ground, in an area that receives sun to part shade. They tolerate a range of soil types but prefer well-drained organic soil and consistent moisture. Those that grow like a vine do well on a trellis or fence. Cut stem tips when harvesting to keep plants bushy and productive. Newer shoots and leaves are more tender and milder in flavor than older ones. These herbaceous perennials will freeze to the ground but often regrow from roots or seeds. Relocate plants in containers to a protected spot, or take cuttings from in-ground plants, and grow them indoors in winter.
Okinawa Spinach (Gynura crepioides) is a member of the Aster family and hails from Indonesia and parts of southeast Asia. It performs well in zones 9-11, the subtropical and tropical climates of central and south Florida. This vigorous plant is low growing, and its attractive green and purple leaves are borne on short stems. Eat the leaves raw or cooked. Bright orange flowers in spring attract butterflies but are usually sterile. Any seeds produced may not come true, so the best method of propagation is by stem cuttings.
Longevity Spinach (Gynura procumbens) (Chinese Spinach), also called Leaves of the Gods and, is the all green cousin of Okinawa spinach. The somewhat succulent leaves are a bit stronger in flavor and texture. The name “Longevity” could refer to its purported health benefits in lowering blood sugar, inflammation, and cholesterol. Propagate this plant from cuttings like Okinawa spinach.
Cinnamon Apple: Pouteria hypoglauca
Pouteria hypoglauca, or Cinnamon Apple, as it is more commonly known, is a small tree native to Central America. Growing to a maximum of 10-20 feet, these trees thrive in full sun and need regular water. Though mature plants are cold hardy at least to 30F for a short time, they are only hardy to 28F once they have been established. This tree is typically found in Zones 9-11 according to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Mosquito Plant (Citronella)
This plant is commonly found under a number of names, such as citronella plant, mosquito plant geranium, citrosa geranium and Pelargonium citrosum. Though many of its names leave the impression that it contains citronella, which is a common ingredient in insect repellent, the plant is actually a variety of scented geranium that simply produces a citronella-like scent when the leaves are crushed. The mosquito plant geranium came about from taking specific genes of two other plants – Chinese citronella grass and African geranium. Though growing mosquito plant is not as effective as using bottled repellents, mosquito plant works gently, and when you grow it in your garden, it is always on hand.
A member of the geranium family, mosquito plant carries the fragrance of citronella in itsPlants owe their medium green texture to the lacy leaves. Growing upright to 2 to 3 feet in height, they can be used as a summer border or one of several contrasting textures in a garden composition or a large mixed container.
Cranberry Hibiscus - Hibiscus acetosella
This African native is a short-lived perennial shrub in the subtropics and tropics but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates. It is also known also as false roselle, red leaf hibiscus or maroon mallow It grows rapidly to 1.7 m high with deeply cut leaves similar to Japanese maple. The leaf color of deep cranberry red is highly ornamental; the flowers are a small, very pretty, rose-pink hibiscus-type. The 2-inch wide flowers appear in late fall and last through the winter. Cranberry hibiscus is a hardy plant that thrives when it is warm and wet; it prefers full sun but will grow in partial shade. It needs ample water, rich, fertile, well-drained soil that is kept mulched and a pH of between 6.1 and 6.5. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, cranberry hibiscus grows quickly and requires spacing of 6 to 10 feet.
