Azaleas (rhododendron)
Azalea 'Fashion'
The Basics
In spring and fall, the Azalea Fashion blooms with bright coral-pink flowers. This hardy evergreen has a compact, mounding growth habit, typically reaching 3-5 feet tall and wide. It works beautifully as a foundation plant, border, or accent in gardens, offering year-round greenery with bursts of vibrant color.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Partial sun to partial shade
Amount of Water: Water weekly; more during dry or hot conditions
Soil Conditions: Well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter
The Care
Azalea Fashion requires regular watering, especially during its early establishment, due to its shallow roots. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting in hotter weather. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages fuller blooming in the next season.
Azalea 'Formosa'
The Basics
In spring, this Azalea Formosa a rich purple flowers. This emerald evergreen has a vigorously upright growth habit reaching heights of 6 -8 feet (4-6 feet wide), but often trimmed at 4 feet. It is ideally used as a screen, accent, hedge, and highlight areas.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Amount of Water: Water weekly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil; Prefers high organic matter content
The Care
It is essential to frequently water newly planted azaleas due to their shallow root systems. The amount of water necessary should equal one inch of rain per week. Pruning helps maintain an attractive look while inducing branching for seasonal blooming.
Azalea 'G.G. Gerbing'
The Basics
This beautiful upright evergreen foliage has a crisp white flower that blooms up to 3 inches during the spring. This azalea grows moderately reaching a height of 6-10 feet (4-6 feet wide). It is ideally used as a screen, accent, hedge, and highlight areas.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Partial to full shade depending on region
Amount of Water: Water weekly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil; Prefers high organic matter content
The Care
It is essential to frequently water newly planted azaleas due to their shallow root systems. The amount of water necessary should equal one inch of rain per week. Pruning helps maintain an attractive look while inducing branching for seasonal blooming.
Black Diamond® Crape Myrtles
Black Diamond® 'Pure White'
The Basics
Crape Myrtle 'Black Diamond® Pure White' is a stunning deciduous shrub or small tree known for its striking contrast of pure white blooms against dark, almost black foliage. This plant typically grows to about 10-12 feet tall (6-8 feet wide). It's perfect for use as a specimen plant, in borders, or as part of a mixed planting.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering during dry periods
Soil Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil; adaptable to a variety of soil types
The Care
Crape Myrtle 'Black Diamond® Pure White' requires regular watering to establish a mature root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring to encourage vigorous new growth and maintain shape. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer for best results.
Black Diamond® 'Red Hot'
The Basics
Crape Myrtle 'Black Diamond® Red Hot' is a captivating deciduous shrub or small tree known for its vibrant red blooms that contrast beautifully with its dark, almost black foliage. This plant typically grows to about 10-12 feet tall (6-8 feet wide). It's an excellent choice for use as a specimen plant, in borders, or as part of a mixed planting.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering during dry periods
Soil Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil; adaptable to a variety of soil types
The Care
Crape Myrtle 'Black Diamond® Red Hot' requires regular watering to establish a mature root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage vigorous new growth and maintain shape. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer for optimal growth and blooming.
Cordyline 'Aunti Lou' Ti fruticosa
The Basics
'Auntie Lou' has pink, plum, maroon and deep burgundy foliage. The Ti plant is clump forming and sometimes suckering, though not invasive. In temperate regions, it is frequently grown as a houseplant.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Sun to Partial Shade (prefers shade)
Amount of Water: Water regularly
Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil
The Care
More intense colors are produced in full sun, however this cultivar should not be in intense hot sunlight during the middle of the day.
Crape Myrtles (lagerstroemia)
Crape Myrtle 'Catawba'
The Basics
The Crape Myrtle 'Catawba' is a deciduous tree or shrub celebrated for its deep purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. It typically grows 10-15 feet tall and is ideal for smaller landscapes or as a focal point in gardens. It also showcases attractive exfoliating bark and orange-red foliage in autumn.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Prefers dry, well-drained soil
The Care
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or unwanted growth and shape the plant. Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage vibrant blooms. 'Catawba' is resistant to powdery mildew but may occasionally attract aphids; treat as needed. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, ensuring the mulch does not touch the trunk.
Crape Myrtle 'Dynamite Red'
The Basics
The Crape Myrtle 'Red Dynamite' is a stunning, deciduous tree or shrub known for its vibrant red flowers that bloom profusely throughout summer. It can reach heights of 15-20 feet and is a popular choice for adding color to landscapes. Its bark peels to reveal a smooth, multi-toned surface, adding visual interest even during the dormant season.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Prefers dry, well-drained soil
The Care
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches and to shape the tree if desired. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming. Watch for pests like aphids or powdery mildew, though 'Red Dynamite' is typically resistant to these issues. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, but avoid placing mulch directly against the trunk.
Crape Myrtle 'Muskogee'
The Basics
The fast-growing tree has clusters of magenta, lavender blooms in the summer. Its smooth tan bark with glossy green foliage that turns red in the fall grows 15-20 feet tall (10-15 feet wide). Plant in groups to make a statement all year-round.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Prefers dry, well-drained soil
The Care
This easy-to-grow evergreen shrub needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. After the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought, watering is needed regularly. Pruning is recommended once per year.
Crape Myrtle 'Natchez'
The Basics
This fast-growing small tree or shrub has clusters of creamy white, soft-texture blooms in the summer. Its smooth tan exfoliating bark with glossy green foliage that turns orange-red in the fall grows 15-20 feet tall (10-15 feet wide). Plant in groups to make a statement all year-round.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Prefers dry, well-drained soil
The Care
This easy-to-grow evergreen shrub needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. After the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought, watering is needed regularly. Pruning is recommended once per year.
Crape Myrtle 'Tuscarora'
The Basics
This fast-growing small tree or shrub has clusters of coral pink blooms in the summer. Its smooth tan exfoliating bark with glossy green foliage that turns orange-red in the fall grows 15 feet tall (10-15 feet wide). Plant as an accent to make a statement all year-round.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Prefers dry, well-drained soil
The Care
This easy-to-grow evergreen shrub needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. After the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought, watering is needed regularly. Pruning is recommended once per year.
Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum)
Croton 'Mammy'
The Basics
This tropical evergreen is known for its multicolored foliage and slightly twisted leaf shape. Its leaves are light green at first and develop streaks of yellow, red and orange as they mature. Grows 3-6 feet tall (2-5 feet wide). Excellent as an accent, container, or hedge plant.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full Sun / Partial Shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; do not overwater
Soil Conditions: Well-drained
The Care
ALL PARTS OF PLANT ARE POISONOUS IF INGESTED. Too much sun will bleach the color out of the leaves and too little will cause the leaves to be more green. Provide plenty of room for growth, crotons can be pruned by hand but are ugly sheared. Crotons are frequently grown as houseplants in colder climates and in the landscape in frost-free regions. Crotons make excellent accent plants, hedges and tub specimens.
Croton 'Petra'
The Basics
This colorful tropical evergreen has variegated leaves that emerge green and are overlaid with yellow, orange, and red. Its upright habit typically matures between 5-7 feet tall ( 2-5 feet wide). Ideal as an accent, container, or hedge plant.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full Sun / Partial Shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; do not overwater
Soil Conditions: Well-drained
The Care
Fertilize your croton about once per week with a 3-1-2 liquid fertilizer, or less frequently using a slow-release form. If the plant seems to be stunted or suffering from a nutritional deficiency, increase fertilizer quantities slowly, since too much can cause the leaf colors to become dull.
Firebush 'Firefly' (Hamelia patens)
The Basics
Firebush 'Firefly' is a more compact cultivar. Its leaves and flowers are half the size of the full-sized variety. Firefly's flowers are tubular and show for most of the year. The flowers are followed by black berries and its foliage morphs from green to bronze in fall. Firefly is best used as an accent or specimen and it even attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant grows to be 3-6 feet tall and wide. Can die back in Central Florida winters but will regrow in the Spring.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full Sun / Partial Shade
Amount of Water: Water Regularly
Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil
The Care
Firefly performs best with more sun, however, its foliage is more attractive when it is grown in the shade. In cooler climates, this plant can also be used as an annual.
Firecracker Red (Russelia equisetiformis)
The Basics
Clusters of scarlet tubular flowers resembling small firecrackers provide reliable color from spring through fall. Slender, rush-like stems start out erect, then fall over into long, showy cascades. A favorite of hummingbirds; this perennial is a must-have for tropical butterfly gardens. Great for tall border, trained to trellis, or spilling over walls and hanging baskets.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full Sun / Partial Shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly, when top 3 in. of soil is dry.
Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil
The Care
Provide rich, well drained soil in full sun. Best with part shade in hot inland areas. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Fertilize regularly. Prune in late winter or early spring.
Gardenia jasminoids
August Beauty
The Basics
This moderately-growing evergreen shrub blooms fragrant, creamy white flowers all summer. Its double-bloom has rounded glossy green foliage that spreads 3-6 feet (4-8 feet tall). Best performs as a specimen, accent, hedge, or screen.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat;
Soil Conditions: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil; thrives in rich, organic matter
The Care
Gardenia 'August Beauty' requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Pruning should be done after the blooming season to maintain shape. For best results, fertilize with an acidic, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid pruning too late in the year, as this may reduce the next season’s blooms.
Frostproof
The Basics
Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof' is an evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. This compact plant typically grows to about 3-4 feet tall and wide. It's highly valued for its resistance to late spring frosts and makes an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant in gardens and patios.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat; moderately drought-tolerant once established
Soil Conditions: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil; avoid alkaline soils
The Care
Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof' requires a regular watering schedule to establish a mature root system. After establishment, it needs occasional watering, with increased frequency during drought conditions. Pruning is not typically required but can be done after flowering to maintain shape. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Jasmine Confederate - (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
The Basics
This evergreen vine has an abundance of small, white blooms throughout spring and summer. Lustrous, large dark-green foliage grows on long, thin branches reaching 20 feet in length and 12-18 inches in depth as ground cover. Ideally used as a ground cover and vine on a trellis, tree, fence, porch or wall.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
The Care
This evergreen needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Be sure to keep the soil moist or blooming will cease. After the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought, watering is needed regularly. Prune annually to control size. Allow up to 5 feet if planning to use as a ground cover or allow less space for quicker coverage.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
President Red
The Basics
Hibiscus 'President Red' is a captivating tropical shrub known for its large, vibrant red blooms and glossy green foliage. This hibiscus typically reaches a height of 6-8 feet (4-6 feet wide), making it an excellent choice for brightening up gardens, borders, or as a dramatic specimen plant in containers.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in hot, dry conditions
Soil Conditions: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil; tolerant of various soil types
The Care
Hibiscus 'President Red' thrives with regular watering, especially during its establishment phase. While it's somewhat drought-tolerant, consistent moisture promotes better blooming. Prune lightly after blooming to maintain a tidy shape and encourage further flower production. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and control weeds. Fertilize with a high-potassium fertilizer in the growing season to maximize flowering.
Seminole Pink
The Basics
Hibiscus 'Seminole Pink' is a lovely tropical shrub featuring large, soft pink blooms and lush green leaves. This hibiscus grows to about 6-8 feet tall (4-6 feet wide) and is ideal for use as a vibrant focal point in gardens, along borders, or in containers.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequently during dry periods
Soil Conditions: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil; adaptable to various soil types
The Care
Hibiscus 'Seminole Pink' needs regular watering to become established, though it can tolerate brief dry spells once mature. For the best blooms, maintain consistent watering during the growing season. Prune lightly after blooming to control shape and encourage further flowering. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down. Fertilize in spring and summer with a balanced, high-potassium fertilizer to boost flower production.
Sunset Yellow
The Basics
Hibiscus 'Sunset Yellow' is a stunning tropical shrub with large, sunny yellow blooms that add a bright splash of color to any landscape. Growing to around 6-8 feet tall (4-6 feet wide), this hibiscus is perfect for use in borders, as a focal point in the garden, or in large containers.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in hot, dry weather
Soil Conditions: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil; adaptable to various soil types
The Care
Hibiscus 'Sunset Yellow' thrives with regular watering, particularly during its establishment phase. While somewhat drought-tolerant when mature, it performs best with consistent moisture. Light pruning after the blooming period helps maintain shape and encourage continued flowering. Mulching retains soil moisture, controls weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Fertilize in the growing season with a balanced, high-potassium fertilizer to maximize bloom production.
Loropetalum (Fringe Flower)
Loropetalum chinense 'Plum'
The Basics
This unique evergreen produces red tinted foliage that turns to green as it ages. Clusters of frilly, pink flowers bloom profusely during winter and spring, and periodically throughout the rest of the year. This compact grower will reach 3-4 feet tall (3-5 feet wide). Its distinct coloration makes it ideal as an accent specimen, hedge, and grows well on slopes.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Prefers rich, well-drained soil
The Care
This low-maintenance evergreen needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. After the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought, watering is needed regularly. Pruning old foliage is recommended to maintain a well-groomed appearance. Mulch to prevent loss of moisture, deter weeds and moderate winter temperatures.
Loropetalum chinense 'Ruby'
The Basics
This unique evergreen produces red tinted foliage that turns to green as it ages. Clusters of frilly, pink flowers bloom profusely during winter and spring, and periodically throughout the rest of the year. This compact grower will reach 3-4 feet tall (3-5 feet wide). Its distinct coloration makes it ideal as an accent specimen, hedge, and grows well on slopes.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in extreme heat
Soil Conditions: Prefers rich, well-drained soil
The Care
This low-maintenance evergreen needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. After the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought, watering is needed regularly. Pruning old foliage is recommended to maintain a well-groomed appearance. Mulch to prevent loss of moisture, deter weeds and moderate winter temperatures.
Trinette (Schefflera arboricola)
The Basics
'Trinette' is a variegated variety of umbrella plant with large patches of creamy yellow lighting up its foliage. Perfect for brightening a room solo or enlivening a mix of green-leaved plants. Schefflera may initially drop leaves as they adjust to a new setting, but really are vigorous and easy care plants. They may be pruned to control height or shape.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun
Amount of Water: Water once weekly, Allow soil to dry between waterings
Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil
The Care
Many shrubs can be regularly sheared to keep them shaped as a hedge, edging or formal foundation planting.
When pruning to control a plant's size or shape, cuts should be made just above a leaf bud and at a slight angle. This bud will be where the new growth sprouts. Remove old flowers to keep plant looking healthy and prevent seed production that drains the plant's energy at the expense of forming new flowers.
Southern Magnolias
D. D. Blanchard Magnolia
The Basics
Magnolia 'D.D. Blanchard' is a magnificent evergreen tree known for its large, glossy dark green leaves with a rusty-brown underside and its stunning, fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring to summer. This tree typically grows to about 50-60 feet tall (25-35 feet wide), making it an excellent choice for use as a specimen tree or in large landscape areas.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering during dry periods
Soil Conditions: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil; adaptable to a variety of soil types
The Care
Magnolia 'D.D. Blanchard' requires regular watering to establish a mature root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Pruning is not typically required but can be done to maintain shape or remove dead or damaged branches. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from temperature extremes. Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for best results.
Bracken's Brown Magnolia
The Basics
Magnolia ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ is a stunning evergreen tree known for its glossy dark green leaves with a rich, brown underside and its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring to summer. This tree typically grows to about 30-50 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for use as a specimen tree or in large landscape areas.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering during dry periods
Soil Conditions: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil; adaptable to a variety of soil types
The Care
Magnolia 'Bracke’s Brown Magnolias requires regular watering to establish a mature root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Pruning is not typically required but can be done to maintain shape or remove dead or damaged branches. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from temperature extremes. Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for best results.
Podocarpus macrophyllus
The Basics
This upright, evergreen oval shrub or small tree has needlelike, flat dark green leaves. Its compact, lustrous foliage has a growth habit of 15-20 feet tall (4-6 feet wide). Extremely versatile, this plant is used as a screen, accent, hedge, topiary, and garden or patio tree.
The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Amount of Water: Water regularly; more frequent watering in
extreme heat; Drought tolerant
Soil Conditions: Adaptable to most soils; Prefers well-drained soil; Salt tolerant
The Care
This low-maintenance evergreen needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. After the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought, watering is needed regularly. Pruning is not required. Shear annually to maintain desired shape. Mulch to prevent loss of moisture, deter weeds and moderate winter temperatures.