Family:
Araceae
(Zantedeschia)
Origin:
World wide temperate zone – Alcatraz Island
Light:
In SMA, mottled shade or shaded location.
Temperature:
Cool, can tolerate light frosts. Plant is more temperate than tropical.
Care:
Moist, rich mulch, well drained with heavy feedings of organic matter. Water the total growth period, let dry out
during the dormant period.

The Calla Lilly’s amazing bloom duration, about five weeks can enhance your under-tree or garden shaded areas. The flower color range is white (Aethiopica, most common in SMA), lemon yellow to gold, orange to rust, purple to black, pink to lavender, red to burgundy, salmon and variegated green. Plant in the spring (Feb. in SMA) two inches deep and about 16 inches apart. The plant will grow 18 – 24 inches in height and spread about 14 inches. The foliage without blooms is beautiful greenery. The plant can be propagated from seed but won’t bloom for about three years; it is better to buy stock.

Family:
Primulaceae
(primrose)
Origin:
Eastern Mediterranean
Light:
Mostly shade – no hot sun.
Temperature:
60 – 72 F (16 – 22C)
Pests and Problems:
Spider Mites & Cyclamin Mites
Care:
Moist soil Fall through Spring. Only damp soil in Summer resting period. Feed with 1/2 strength African Violet mix every two weeks when in bloom.

The cyclamen is one of the best, potted, indoor, winter blooming plants available. C. Persicum (shown) is the most popular of the 15 species. The plant prefers a cool location with good air circulation and should never be placed near a heat source. They flower from September through April and are available in white, pink, red, salmon and violet. The plant leaves should feel like crisp lettuce when handled. If the leaves are limp and/or droop, the plant probably needs water. The blooms last several weeks and the plant will last year to year with proper care.

Family:
Compositae or Asteraceae
Origin:
North or Central Europe
Light:
Full sun
Temperature:
All day SMA sun
Pests and Problems:
Insect resistant
Care:
Use manure and compost, maintain a rich and well drained soil

Daisies are named from the old Anglo-Saxon language ‘daes eage’ meaning day’s eye. There are more than 28 varieties with the Shasta and African the most popular. Plant 9 – 12 inches apart and because they have a prostrate or spreading growing habit they need division and replanting every two years. Water regularly during dry periods and propagate by division in the spring or by sewing seeds in the Spring or late Autumn. Use a fertilizer high in phosphorous for large, bright blooms. The leaves of this perennial form a basal tufft or rosette.

Family:
Bignoniaceae
(‘Rivers’ Royal Trumpet Vine)
Origin:
Mexico
Light:
Part shade/part sun. The vine will reach for the sun.
Temperature:
Tolerates drought, heat & humidity.
Pests and Problems:
Does not tolerate frost or freezing.
Care:
Maintain soil sandy-to-clay loam, water dry to normal & fertilize with phosphorus.

The Distictis is a fast, vigorous growing vine climbing by tendrils. It has glossy, evergreen foliage, velvety-trumpet shaped five inch flowers and comes in purple with orange throats (shown), or, are orange-red (Mexican Blood Flower). The vine flowers much of the year in warm weather and is a humming bird favorite.

Family:
Malvaceae, Genus
Hibiscus
Origin:
Australia & Temperate regions
Light:
Sun, will tolerate light shade
Temperature:
Grows well in warm, Temperate, subtropical & tropical regions.
Pests and Problems:
Frost in SMA
Care:
Prefers moist, well Composted soil

The hibiscus is a perennial herb, shrub or tree with about 100 genera and 1,000 species. The flowers are conspicuous, trumpet-shaped and range 4-15 cm broad. Color varies from white to pink, red, purple or yellow. When planting put the crowns (top of plant) 3-4 inches beneath soil in a permanent location; hibiscus do not spread. Dating back to Roman times, the Hibiscus has been used as cordials, jams, syrups teas, and medicinal remedies (not recommended, adverse reactions are common). Hibiscus is the National flower of Malaysia, the state flower of Hawaii and is the national Emblem of the Stolen Generation of indigenous peoples in Australia.