By The Tropical Gardener…Chuck Nicholls, Master Gardener

Gardens can be multi-dimensional in nature since we have color texture, and size of specimen plants in our garden so why not consider a dimension often overlooked: Fragrance. There are several plants that will give everlasting fragrance that can be planted in South Florida. Below, I have listed several plants that one should consider when selecting amazing fragrances:

Gardenia (G. Jasmoides “Vetchii”)

This plant is a must for all gardeners who want wonderful fragrance in their gardens. The gardenia plant is adaptable to growing in pots or directly in the soil. The plant generally does not grow over 6 ‘ in height but can grow 4 ‘ in width. It will grow in partial to full sun and grows well in an acid soil. The cut flowers make a beautiful centerpiece by floating them in a low crystal bowl.

Stephenotis ( S. Floribunda)

Also known as the Madeguascar Jasmine or The Hawaiian Wedding Flower. Stephenotis is a vine without tendrils so it needs a trellis to obtain a beautiful growth. We are fortunate to grow this plant in South Florida as it loves the hot temperatures and humidity of our summers to bloom. The very fragrant tubular white flowers are often used by florists particularly in wedding bouquets. When not in flower, the beautiful glossy green leaves are beautiful. The plant requires a well-balanced fertilizer and adequate moisture at all times to grow well.

Sweet Almond Bush (Aloysia virgata)

This bush is one of my favorite plants that will perfume your entire garden for the whole year. This is an excellent drought-tolerant plant particularly good for butterfly gardens. This plant can be planted in sun or part shade, and can be pruned easily for a more uniform look.

Night Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturtum)

This is one of my favorite shrubs that can be planted in sun or partial shade. The fragrance is very strong so when planted in your garden, the neighbors will also enjoy it. The white greenish tubular flowers appear on the new growth and open up during the evening. While it can grow to 10-12 feet in height, it can be pruned to lessen the height of the plant.

Angel Trumpet (Brugmansia)

The angel trumpet refers to the large, multi-pendulous flowers that come in many colors including yellow, white and pinks. I suggest growing the small trees or shrubs in the background of other plants since they can grow to 15-18 feet. They often shed their foliage throughout the year and may go semi-dormant during colder temperatures. They require full sun to grow and bloom to their full potential. They are not salt tolerant so I would advise not planting them near the ocean. The fragrance is particularly strong in the evening.

Let’s not forget that certain herbs that can be planted in front of your border or in pots near the entrance to your garden. I particularly like selected basil, rosemary and mint plants. I purposely rub against them in the garden to obtain their wonderful delightful fragrances. Certain Cattleya and Oncidium orchid plants are also odoriferous. I will write more about herbs and orchid plants in future columns.

Many of the plants listed above are generally available at nurseries and garden centers in the area. Garden Works at 1501 E Oakland Park Blvd has many of the plants that I have indicated above.

You can learn more about fragrant flowers and other plants by attending The Equality Park Garden Club which meets at the Pride Center every third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM. The Pride Center is located at 2040 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors.

Chuck Nicholls is Past President and co-founder of The Equality Park Garden Club and founder of the The Annual Tropical Plant Fair held in Wilton Manors.

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The Tropical Gardener…Chuck Nicholls, Master Gardener

Groundcovers in the landscape are often overlooked. Many homeowners first concentrate on primary or specimen plants to enhance the architecture of their residence and end up using tons of mulch to cover bare areas of the garden. A worse case scenario is when no mulch is used over the barren ground. Selected ground cover plantings should be considered in your garden.

I have noticed that many new homes are being built using various forms of marble and granite veneers above the foundations of their homes. Contractors come along and concentrate their plantings by covering up these areas by using many foundation plantings that in essence covers up a prominent feature of a home. Ground covers however are very pleasing as plants that are not more than 15” in height. Used alone or in combination with specimen planting can enhance the curb appeal of your home. I have often used some ground covers (those that are trailing) in my container plantings as secondary plants as they offer another dimension and are complementary to the primary plants.

A wide variety of ground covers are available. Below are ground covers that are among my favorites for South Florida gardens.

Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus)

This is a particular favorite of mine. It is a mounding plant that works well when planted relatively close to one another in either beds or borders. The small green grey foliage compliments the small beautiful blue flowers on plants that are less than 12 inches tall. The plants are salt tolerant and thrive in sandy soils. Mine are grown in full sun.

Creeping Fig (Ficus repens/Ficus pumila)

As the name implies this is a trailing plant and is often used to cover stucco or concrete walls. The foliage is small and heart- like in appearance and makes for interesting patterns. As a groundcover it clings to the surface of the soil with its many aerial roots. Clever gardeners often use this plant when inserted into animal forms filled with sphagnum moss and other media. The creeping fig grows best in the shade when used as a groundcover, however, I have seen it grown in full sun on walls.

Perennial Peanut Plant (Arachis glabrata)

While closely allied to the plant that produces peanuts this plant is known as an ornamental peanut and does not produce peanuts. It makes a great groundcover growing only 6 inches in height. The tiny yellow flowers resembling sweet peas enhance the plant. It is salt tolerant and makes a great plant for sandy soils here in South Florida.

Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)

This is a vigorous growing ground cover and is available in green and purple-red varieties. It loves full sun and grows no more than 6 inches. It is also a favorite among gardeners to use as trailing plants in containers.

Jasmine Minima (Asiatic Jasmine)

This groundcover grows only 2-3 inches in height. It is a woody plant that has multiple stems that produce a dense groundcover. Unlike other Jasmines it does not produce significant flowers. The plant is salt tolerant.

Wart Fern (Microsorum scolopendria)

The wart ferns give a unique color and texture to the garden usually growing less than 12 inches in height. The plant produces little brown bumps on the back of the leaves which accounts for the name. The older varieties are a deep green in color, however, newer varieties are a beautiful light grey green. They grow best in the shade.

Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)

Mexican heather is not considered a true ground cover as the plants can reach 12 inches in height but planted in masses they present a beautiful colorful look in your garden. The plants have lacey foliage and are usually lavender in color but new outstanding pink and red varieties are becoming available. They like well- drained soil and thrive well in South Florida.

I have only discussed a few of my favorite ground covers. There are several varieties of the Liriope (super blue is one of my favorites). For large areas I would recommend Dwarf Mondo Grass. Most local nurseries and garden centers have a large selection of plants to choose from.

You can learn more about ground covers and other plants by attending The Equality Park Garden Club which meets at the Pride Center every third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM. The Pride Center is located at 2040 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors.

Chuck Nicholls is Past President and co-founder of The Equality Park Garden Club and founder of the The Annual Tropical Plant Fair held in Wilton Manors.

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By Chuck Nicholls, Master Gardener

Echeveria elegans

Echeverias/succulents have recently become very trendy plants in the horticultural industry. Fortunately for those of us living in South Florida, it is possible to grow many of them either directly in the ground or in containers.  Because of their popularity, there are many new and colorful varieties that have become available.  They are not only used for landscaping purposes, but also have become increasing popular in the floral industry.  Mark Turner, a local event planner, has used them in bouquets and centerpieces. He recently completed a magnificent topiary tree for one of his clients using them.

Echeveria is named after a Mexican Botanist/artist Atanasio Echeverria y Godoy.  Echeverias are included in a very large group of plants within the Crassulacea family mostly originating from Mexico and Central/South America. The plants grown in this area are evergreen with flowers that come from the base of rosettes from the succulent leaves. The flowers are not generally showy and do not last although there are exceptions.

Older plants often produce new plants by offsets that originate at the base of the mother plant. Another method of propagation is relatively easy by taking leaf cuttings (removing the leaf from the central core of the plant) and placing in a very loose and moist soil within a flat or pot that should be located in a shady location.   A light misting of water during the hot weather is essential. New plants will develop within 6-8 weeks.  Experienced gardeners many want to plant seeds only if the plant is not a hybrid.

Good drainage is essential whether they are grown in the ground or in containers. A good mix is ½ organic material sand ½ materials that can be used for drainage such as course sand, perlite or pumice. Do not feed them a fertilizer high in Nitrogen. I recommend bone meal which is 2-10-10. Plants can be grown in full sun.  Generally speaking plants should be watered thoroughly twice weekly during the hot summer and once in the winter months. A good rain counts as one good watering.

Plants are widely distributed and can be found at most nurseries and Garden Centers. Home Depot and Lowes generally have a nice collection in their garden centers. Mountain Crest Gardens has a great web site for echeverias  (http://mountaincrestgardens.com).

You can learn more about echeverias and other plants by attending The Equality Park Garden Club which meets at the Pride Center every third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm. The Pride Center is located at 2040 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors.

Chuck Nicholls is Past President and founder of The Equality Park Garden Club and founder of the The Annual Tropical Plant Fair held in Wilton Manors.

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Chuck Nicolls

Unfortunately in South Florida. there are poisonous plants that may affect the health of your pet. When reviewing this list, it is important to know that all parts of a given plant may not be poisonous. For example, the stems of Rhubarb are a delicious food item; however, the leaves and roots are toxic to some individuals.  It may be the flowers, the foliage, roots or seeds that are toxic. The Poinsettia plant exudes a white liquid that can also prove toxic. It is also important to know that not all plants are toxic to all breeds of cats and dogs. Nevertheless, one should be aware that a plant or plant part may be toxic if ingested.

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a list of over 1000 plants reported to having systemic effects on animals. Many of the plants listed as house plants are also plants that can be grown outdoors in this area. This list is not inclusive but rather a compilation of plants mostly encounter as reported to the organization. Some of the more common plants grown that may be toxic to your animals in South Florida: Azaleas, Kalanchoes, Oleander, Water Hyacinths, Warneckei Dracena, Wandering Jew, Diffenbachias. Ti Plant, Lantana, Jade plant, Gloriosa Lily and Poinsettias.  I will admit that I have grown many of these plants in the garden, and my two Boxer dogs have had no problem with them.

I would strongly suggest that as a pet owner, you check out the ASPCA website (http://www.aspca.org/apcc). If you have a pet emergency you can call the organization at any time as they are available 24 hours every day of the year (888-426-4435). Depending on the nature of the call there may be a consultation fee of $65.00.

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The Tropical Gardener
Chuck Nicholls, Master Gardener

Fancy Leaf Caladiums
Photos courtesy of Happiness Farms in Lake Placid, Fl.

Add a splash of color to your summer garden.

Originating from the Central and South America, Fancy leaf Caladiums are a perfect solution to Florida’s hot and humid summers. Whether grown in containers, flower beds or used as border plants, caladiums will add fabulous color and dimension to any area of your home or garden.

Other than some flowering shrubs and trees, it is difficult to grow annuals such as zinnias, petunias and marigolds in the summer. These plants are best grown in the winter in South Florida.

Caladiums belong to the family Araceae which includes the common Elephant Ears and Alocasias. There are many colorful varieties of colors ranging from red, pink and various shades of green and white. Each variety has its unique leaf, vein and color characteristics.

They are categorized into two type of varieties. Fancy varieties have large heart shaped leaves and grow 18-24 inches in height. One of my favorite varieties is ” White Queen”. The lance leaf varieties are known for their narrow elongated leaves and unusually shorter (12-18″ in height).

I personally love the lace leaf varieties. I have used a variety “Florida Sweetheart” as a unique summer ground cover. This year, I am very enthusiastic about growing the variety “White Wing” in a shady location in the front garden.

Plants are generally available in quart and gallon containers in late April and early May. Caladium Bulbs are available in late winter and early spring in garden centers and nurseries. I prefer to buy bulbs from wholesalers since I usually order in quantity. I start my bulbs in wooden or plastic flats and cover them with peat moss or light soil for 2-4 weeks until new leaves appear. At that point, I transfer directly to the soil in the garden or in various pots and containers.

In Fall, the plants will begin to wither as they begin to go dormant. I often leave the plants that are in the ground and they will emerge in Spring.  I place other bulbs (previously grown in pots and containers) in open pots and store under shrubs in the shade.

Most of the caladiums available in the U.S. are grown in Lake Placid, Florida. The growing of these bulbs is an important part of agriculture in Lake Placid. A major Caladium Festival is coming up July 29-31 (Friday-Sunday). Many activities are planned for the festival including a bus tour of the many growers producing these bulbs. This is a great opportunity to meet growers and become familiar with the many variety of plants they offer. Further information call be obtained by calling 863 465-45331.

You can learn more about caladiums and other plants by attending The Equality Park Garden Club which meets at The Pride Center every third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM. The Pride Center is located at 2040 North Dixie Highway.

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Are you seeing massive splashes of color (usually salmon or white) on bushes around town this time of year? Chances are it is the Mussaenda plant that is showing off an incredible display of flowers. Mussaenda plants are members of the Rubiacea family which includes coffee.

While there are over 200 known species of Mussaenda, only ten are found in cultivation that can be grown in Zone 10 (South Florida) and up to Zone 12, which is closer to the equator. The common one grown in this area is Mussaenda philippica, which has yellow flowers and white or salmon/pink sepals. The yellow flowers are only visible upon close inspection because they are overwhelmed by the very large spectacular sepals.

The Mussaenda plant is relatively fast growing and usually planted in full sun, although I have seen them blooming in partial shade. They grow best in well drained fertile sandy loam soil. It is usually grown as a specimen plant in the ground; however I have seen them grown in large tubs and pots around a patio. They are relatively tolerant of salt which makes them easy to grow in protected areas.  Fortunately, they are free of major pests. Depending on weather conditions during the winter, the plant may lose its leaves temporarily until new leaves develop.

Propagation of the plants is relatively easy using hardwood cuttings. I have used 8-10 inch hardwood stems in March or April and placed them in a well-drained sandy soil mixture. The bottom of the stems is first covered with a root enhancing powder (found at nurseries and garden centers). Plants usually root in 6-8 weeks and can they be transferred to larger pots or directly in the soil.

Mussaenda plants can be obtained at various local nurseries including Living Color Garden Center and Jesse Durko’s Nursery. Three-gallon container plants sell for about $25.00.

You can learn more about this shrub and other plants by attending The Equality Park Garden Club which meets at the Pride Center every third Wednesday of the month at 7: 30 pm. The Pride Center is located at 2040 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors.

The Tropical Gardener

Chuck Nicholls, Master Gardener

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