Archive for the ‘Zone 9a’ category

Ornamental Grass for Lovely Landscapes: Miscanthus Sinensis

December 15th, 2011

I 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 Grass

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, 2011

Today’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, Colorful Shrub

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.

Indoor Ornamental Plant for Warm Climates: Schefflera Arboricola

December 11th, 2011

Schefflera 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, Ornamental Indoor Plant

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.

Quick Growing, Tropical Ground Cover: Rhoeo Spathacea

December 9th, 2011

Rhoeo Spathacea is a fast growing and evergreen perennial usually grows as ground cover or border plant. Native to West Indies, Mexico and parts of central America, this tender perennial produces clumps of long bicolor leaves – green leaves with purple side underneath.

Rhoeo Spathacea which is commercially sold as Boat Lily or Moses in the Cradle is quite fast growing plant in warm and humid climates. It can also survive long spells of drought which makes it a good choice for landscapes, xeriscape projects and ornamental perennial for places where most plants would not grow easily. Rhoeo Spathacea only requires a regular but well-drained soil mix, a sunny or partially shaded spot, a moderate watering. It is does quite well as ornamental houseplant especially for beginners.

Rhoeo Spathacea, Ground Cover Plant

Rhoeo Spathacea, Image by Tony Rodd

Rhoeo Spathacea is not a demanding plant and grows well with other plants, that is why, it can be grown with a number of other plants in garden beds, mix borders, landscaping schemes, rock gardens or just as ornamental ground cover. It can also be grow in hanging baskets to add delightful colors in patios or window and balcony gardens.

Rhoeo Spathacea produces small white flowers almost all through the year. Flowers are, however, not very significant. Propagation is easy from cuttings taken in spring or fall.

Lovely and Easy to Grow Indoor Tree: Brassaia Actinophylla

December 7th, 2011

Brassaia is a popular houseplant grown for its ornamental foliage and unusual flowers. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Asia and the Pacific, Brassaia is widely grown as small ornamental tree.

Among all known species, Brassia Actinophylla is the most popular and commercially available plant. It is also known as Umbrella Plant because of its leaves that grow in a set of leaves that actually looks like an umbrella. Brassia Actinophylla is easily propagated from cuttings rooted in summer; it requires a deep, rich and well-drained soil under sunny or semi-shaded spots. Its leaves are glossy-green and flowers are red that grown on a long stalk. The stalk appears from the crown of a mature plant. The unusual flowers are often seen in wild, however plants grown in containers rarely bloom.

Brassaia Actinophylla, The Umbrella Plant

Brassaia Actinophylla, The Umbrella Plant, Image by Ahmad Fuad Morad

Brassia Actinophylla is a perfect candidate for bonsai and an easy to maintain indoor container plant as well. Prune and pinch regularly when grown indoors to keep the plant in good shape.