Plant Profile-Porterweed

Porterweed is a Florida-friendly plant

that thrives in our Zone 9 climate.
(This perennial grows in zones 9-11).

Most of the plants in this group

are drought-tolerant, require no extra fertilizing,

and don't mind our often hot and humid conditions.

This plant was a gift from a neighbor.
The same neighbor who has that amazing banana tree
we featured a while back.



It started out as a spindly seedling,

 

and has flourished into a thick, bloom-filled bush.
It stands over 6 feet tall now.
We have it planted on the north side of the house,
in the small garden near the front door.
It gets partial sun during the afternoon
and protection from the wind since it grows against the wall.

The blossoms last from early spring into the cooler fall weather.
All types of pollinators visit daily, 
including various types of bees, butterflies and moths.
It's so amusing to watch the bumblebees as they weigh down the delicate branches,
flitting from flower to flower,
drinking in all that goodness.
Porterweed serves as the host plant for the tropical buckeye caterpillar,
as well as a nectar source for several types of butterflies and the hummingbird moth.

 

Porterweed readily self sows,
so you'll always have plenty to start elsewhere
or gift to friends.
Cuttings can also be started without much effort.
It is as easy to grow as they come,
and will fill your garden with beautiful blue blossoms.
It can be used as a ground cover,
which would make a stunning floral carpet!

 Have a bloomin' good weekend!

Plant Profile-Tropical Sage

Welcome back to our 
 June series on native plants.
Each Friday, we have profiled a plant
that thrives in our area (zone 9b). 

We conclude our series with 
Tropical Salvia.

This beautiful perennial is native to the Southeastern United States,
and can be found in zones 7-11. 
Its moderate growth habits allow it to be placed
almost anywhere in the garden.
With heights only reaching 2-3 feet tall,
it would be perfect for a tiered effect, 
in front of taller bushes and framed in front 
by low-growing annuals or ground covers.

Although we feature the red variety in our garden,
this beauty also comes in shades of pink and white.
For most zones, the blooming takes place from spring through summer,
but warmer zones can expect blossoms throughout the fall as well.



Native salvia is a boon to the gardener determined to attract
butterflies, wasps, bees and hummingbirds.
The vibrant red blooms signal to pollinators
that there is a steady source of nectar to be found here.

With an easy-growing attitude,
salvia will do well in either part or full sun
and is highly drought tolerant.
In fact, this heat lover will thrive when other plants are fading 
from soaring summer temperatures and oppressive humidity.
Ideal plant spacing is 1 to 2 feet apart,
as powdery mildew can take hold if planted closer.

This low-maintenance garden gem readily self-seeds,
but seeds are easily collected by sliding a hand down the stem for direct sowing. 
With so many wonderful attributes,
why wouldn't a gardener want to add this alluring native
to a carefree landscape?

It pays to go native!

Other posts in this series:

 Blanketflower
Coral Bean
Beautyberry

Plant Profile-Coral Bean Plant

Today is the second installment 
in our June series on native plants.
Each Friday, we will profile a plant
that thrives in our area (zone 9b).

Today the featured star is the 
coral bean plant.





The coral bean plant is a native to most parts of Florida,
but can be grown anywhere from zones 7b to 11,
all along the southeastern coast and into Texas.
Its clover-like leaves are abundant, 
although it does lose its leaves in colder climates.
On the branches you will find numerous thorns,
so handle this baby with gloves.

This Florida native will range in height from 8-10 feet tall,
and expand outwards up to 12 feet wide,
so give it lots of space to grow.
It makes the perfect specimen plant,
but can also be clustered to form a protective hedge
and safe haven for wildlife.

The brilliant scarlet flowers act as a

hummingbird attractor
 and butterflies make frequent visits
to enjoy its nectar.
Our coral bean is planted in full sun,
but it tolerates partial shade well.
This drought-tolerant native isn't too fussy,
needing little in the way of fertilizing or supplemental watering.
The seed pods form in the flower petals
and are easily accessed once the petals drop.
The seeds are considered poisonous if ingested,
something to keep in mind with children and pets.

We've enjoyed watching this native 
change through the seasons.
It's no wonder that hummers find it fascinating!

It pays to go native!


Other plants in this series:

Plant Profile-Blanketflower 

Plant Profile-Beach Sunflower

There are "mistakes" that sometimes happen and are a catastrophe.
This isn't one of those times.
Thank goodness, this error is completely in my favor.
Love when that happens!

These little beauties have been referred to as "Faye's sunflowers",
as my farmer friend Faye allowed me to take some seed from her plant
and redistribute it in our backyard garden.
I thought it a bit odd that they did not seem to be displaying the same growing habit.
When she came for a visit, she noticed right off that the leaves were entirely different.

The mystery remained until it hit me.
These are actually beach sunflowers
that I stole acquired from a vacant house in the neighborhood.
I wish I had taken a picture of the plants that were enveloping that house.
The entire front walkway (including the sidewalk up to the front door)
were one gorgeous mass of sunflowers. 
It was really something to see.
On one of my morning walks, I decided the former occupants
most likely wouldn't mind sharing a few seeds.
After all, we gardeners are a generous bunch, no?
You can't know how thrilled I was to make the discovery,
as this has been one of the plants on my wish list for a very long time.

 I planted them in June of last year,
and they haven't stopped blooming since.
They spread easily, are drought tolerant and almost care-free.
What a beautiful addition to the garden.

They are so cheery, even in the darkest of days,
when clouds smother the sky and there is no sun to be found.
These glorious works of art continue to shine all day long.
They self-seed readily and attract a variety of pollinators.
It makes a body feel mighty blessed.



The recent cold snap (30's) didn't deter them one bit.
That gives me hope that I will be able to grow them further north.
In fact, according to this website,
they can be grown as an annual in areas that freeze.
Seeds will be saved for just that purpose.
Even if they only grow during the warmer seasons,
they are worth taking the time to save.
As for the seeds I got from Faye,
I think I forgot to plant them.
(These senior moments are becoming more frequent.)




I know it's the dead of winter,
and most folks don't get to have sunflowers now.
But I also realize that many of my gardening buddies are busy 
planning their spring and summer gardens.
Wouldn't these make a lovely border around your veggie beds?
I am happy to share seeds if anyone would like some.
Believe me, we have plenty!
Just email me and we'll get you squared away.
(naturegurl1111@gmail.com)
And until Old Man Winter bids a fond farewell,
enjoy Maple Hill's sunny collection.
We'd love to be a part of your warm weather garden.
Stay toasty, y'all!

Plant Profile-Loquat

The loquat tree is a native of China, 
but fares quite well here in Central Florida.
These beauties scale up to 30 feet tall,
 so ample room is required for growing.
They prefer full sun, and produce fruit from mid-February to May.
We have been patiently waiting to savor this thirst-quenching and unusual fruit.

The fruit grows in clusters from 4 to over 20 per stem,
with a thin, fuzzy skin, similar to a peach.
One to two pits can be found inside.

 The fruit ripens right on the branches, 
turning from green to golden yellow to bright orange.
The middle stage offers a tart bite of freshness.

The taste resembles a peach combined with a plum,
 according to Lynn.
I think it's more like a cross between a peach and a nectarine.
It does have the consistency of a peach,
but the unique flavor is hard to describe.
In one word-refreshing!

If you like them on the sweeter side,
pick 'em when they are a warm orange color.
So juicy and tender.

This established tree will offer up treats for weary gardeners,
but is also enjoyed by a variety of birds.
It will withstand temperatures all the way down to 10 degrees F.
If space allows, it's a fantastic addition to any garden.

For more information about this natural wonder, read this.

Plant Profile-Passionflower Vine

Today we are posting the last of our series on 
Florida-friendly plants.
This beauty is a stunner!

Passionflower Vine

This plant was purchased almost a year ago at Bok Tower,
 a local public garden in nearby Lake Wales.
Here's what it looked like then.

It seems to be quite content covering the rain barrel.
The bonus is that Lil' Guy has a gorgeous display right outside his window.

This carefree plant will treat you to an ongoing exhibit of these eye-catching blooms.




I never cease to be amazed at their intricacy.

Other than the rain water that falls into the rain barrel,
this stunner gets no supplemental watering.

In full sun, there is always an array of prolific blooms
to delight the senses.

The leaves are a favorite of certain types of caterpillars.
There are enough to go around!

Eggs will sometimes be found on the tendrils that wind around themselves
and also cling to anything close by.




The main reason this plant was acquired
was to host these cuties.
The gulf fritillary caterpillar is among one of the favorite visitors.

We are expecting them to arrive any day now.
More butterflies are frequenting our backyard habitat.
We will continue to give them away
and educate people about the life cycle of this astounding creature.

God has gifted us with so much.

Find out more about this extraordinary bloomer here.

You can find more Florida-friendly posts here.