Archive for the ‘Evergreen’ category
Macro Monday: Agave Attenuata
December 19th, 2011Ornamental Grass for Lovely Landscapes: Miscanthus Sinensis
December 15th, 2011I have a special liking for grasses when it comes to selecting accent plants for landscapes and gardens. Though usually under-valued, grasses, like Pampas or Miscanthus, can add a soft and striking look to any garden or landscape design. They are easy to maintain, do not require special attention and look good in any season – just like Miscanthus Sinensis.
Usually described as Chinese Silver Grass or sometimes as Zebra Grass, Miscanthus Sinensis is quite a robust grass that produces large clumps of blue-green leaves. Like other species of this genus, this ornamental grass grows as tall as 3 meters and produces long, feathery flowers heads of silvery-white color in summer.
Miscanthus Sinensis, Image via Wikipedia
Miscanthus Sinensis is a sun loving grass and grows as evergreen perennial in Pakistan, India, Japan, Korea and parts of Eastern Asia. It is resistant to both windy and frosty conditions and withstands long droughts.
This graceful grass can be used in gardens and landscapes to fill in tough spots and empty spaces where no other plant can survive. It is also good as ornamental plant along borders or for adding variety to ornamental landscapes. It is also used in dried flower arrangements.
Miscanthus Sinensis is also considered a good source of fiber in paper industry. Another popular variety, Miscanthus Giganteus is an excellent source of ethanol and bio fuel.
Miscanthus Sinensis is also described as Susuki Grass in Japan.
Colorful Shrub for Hedges and Screens: Photinia Glabra ‘Rubens’
December 13th, 2011Today’s featured plant is Photinia Glabra ‘Rubens’ – another tropical shrub ideal for hedges, dividers, screen, topiary projects or outdoor specimen plant – very versatile plant indeed. Native to Pakistan and parts of South and East Asia, Photinia is grown for its colorful foliage. Typically, a plant would contain old green leaves and new growth of glossy red foliage. As the winter approached the entire turns red.
Photinia Glabra, Image Tatiana Gerus
Photinia Glabra produces dense foliage and grows up to 6 meters as evergreen shrub. Flowers appear in profuse sprays of tiny white flowers. Flowering is followed by fruition in the form of small red berries that eventually turn black.
Almost all species of Photinia can be propagated easily by softwood cuttings planted in summer. Since these plants belong to the family of rose, they require a good soil mix and ample water to flourish well. For best results, provide Photinia Glabra with bright sunlight, regular trimming and fertilizer at least once a year.
Tropically Yours, The Firecracker Flower
December 12th, 2011Firecracker Flower – the name given to Crossandra Infundibuliformis, is as unusual and fantastic as this lovely plant itself is. Growing as a small shrub, this lovely tropical bloomer produces flowers of salmon, yellow or orange color all through the year. A cousin of Black-eyed Susan, Firecracker Flower belongs to Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India and Madagascar where it grows as evergreen shrub.
Firecracker Flower, Image by Hedwig Storch
It is an excellent ornamental plant for both indoor and outdoor usage. However, the best results are achieved when it is grown in garden beds under bright sunlight. Firecracker Flower is propagated from cuttings and grows easily as long as it is protected from freeze and frost. The plant bears glossy green foliage that provides a decent background for its showy flowers. Most gardeners grow Firecracker Flower in mix borders, garden beds or as a small hedge.
When provided with moderate watering and fairly rich soil, this lovely bloomer would continue to produce colorful flowers for many years. The flowers last long and are often used locally in preparing garlands. Flowers are followed by seed pods that ‘explode’ to spread seeds all around and thus giving the plant its common name – Firecracker Flower.
Popular varieties of Firecracker Flower include: ‘Lutea’ or Yellow Crossandra and ‘Tropic Flame’.
Indoor Ornamental Plant for Warm Climates: Schefflera Arboricola
December 11th, 2011Schefflera is a small shrubby tree often found in tropical and subtropical regions almost all across the world. Most of the species perform very well both indoors and outdoors and make excellent foliage plants in warmer areas. Schefflera are fast growing plants and are typically useful for in landscapes or massive plantation schemes. The most popular of species from this genus is Schefflera Arboricola – a common indoor ornamental plant with abundance of glossy green leaves. It is commercially grown and sold as Hawaiian Elf.
Schefflera Arboricola, Image via tarjeplanta.com
Schefflera Arboricola like most species of this genus produces large palmate leaves in a set of seven or eight leaflets in a circular pattern. It propagates easily from seeds, cuttings or by layering. For best results, provide it with bright sunlight and water only when the soil is dry. When growing it indoors, make sure that the plant receives direct light at least in the morning. Schefflera Arboricola is also available with variegated foliage. Flowers appear on long stalk but are not much significant.
It is a good subject of bonsai experiments as well. When grown indoors, regular pruning would help keep your Schefflera Arboricola plants is good shape.
