Torch Lilies, Tritomas and Red Hot Pokers, How to Grow a Kniphofia plant - Garden Helper, Gardening Questions and Answers Gardening Questions and Answers No-dash-here, you've found The Real Garden Helper! Gardening on the Web since 1997 How to Grow and Care for a Torch Lily The Red Hot Poker Plant Kniphofia uvaria The stately flowers of the Torch Lily provide a dramatic display, when grown in a space where the entire plant is visible. Make this planting space directly in front of an evergreen background, or as a 'stand alone' specimen, and it is sure to turn heads. Red Hot Pokers are one of the favorite flowers for hummingbirds . Kniphofia uvaria is commonly known as a Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily or sometimes a Tritoma Depending on the variety, the flame colored flower spikes will reach 2-5 feet in height. The flower's coloring may range from ivory and orange to coral red. If you have sufficient space, you can select varieties to provide bloom during every month from May through October! Growing and Planting Requirements for Torch Lilies Red Hot Pokers are hardy in USDA zones 5-10 .

They must be grown in full sun. Provide adequate spacing for these plants which may spread up to three feet over time. Good drainage is essential to prevent crown rot, otherwise these plants are tolerant of most soil types. Torch Lilies will survive periods of drought but they will grow much better if they are given abundant water during hot weather. Flowers, Plants and Shrubs with Red Flowers - Garden Helper, Gardening Questions and Answers Arctotis x hybrida 1-2 ft. African Daisies typically have bold, beautiful foliage and large, 3"-4", intensely colored flowers with bright centers. The foliage is grey to silvery green and coated with soft, downy silver hairs. The flowers close at night. 9-11 Allium species 1-6 ft. Flowering Onions are bulb type plants with green, grass-like foliage. They produce hollow, leafless stems that are topped with 1"-5" flower clusters that can contain as many as 100 tiny, star shaped flowers. vary Dianthus alpinus 4-8" This true alpine species of Pinks forms cushions of neat, dark green foliage.

In mid-summer they produce dozens of extra large but otherwise typical looking, sweet smelling Dianthus flowers. Deer resistant 4-9 Hippeastrum 1-2 ft. Amaryllis is the easiest of all bulbs to force into bloom . The 4-6" flowers appear in all shades and combinations red, white, pink, salmon and orange on top of a 1-2 foot stem 9-11 Brugmansia 6-12 ft. From early summer until fall, mature Angel's Trumpet's produce waves of large, very fragrant, downward hanging, trumpet shaped, 6"-10" long flowers. In frost free regions, they may bloom all year long. 9-12 Callistephus chinensis 8-24" This annual plant is a native to Asia. The 2-4" flowers range in color from blue, white, red, yellow, or pink on 1'-3' stems. Do not plant annual varieties of Asters in the same are for more than two consecutive years to prevent Aster wilt. Aster novae-angliae 12-24" Asters grow into a dense mound of light green foliage.

In May and through June, the plant will become covered with soft, 1 1/2" white, purple, pink or red flowers 4-9 Aubrieta deltoidea 2-6" Common Aubrieta is a vigorous growing, mat forming ground cover and rock garden plant. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and rewards you with a long lasting cover of delicate flowers in early Spring. 4-9 Atriplex semibaccata 1--2 ft. The Creeping Saltbush is a low growing shrub from Australia with light green curly leaves. It will survive in areas where there is high levels of salt in the soil. Flowers in the summer are insignificant 9-11 Geum chiloense 16-18" Geums form 16"-18" tall, spreading mounds of evergreen, coarsly textured, dark green leaves. From May until July they produce leafy, 24" branching stems that hold intensely colored, solitary, 1"-1¾" flowers or small clusters of smaller, brightly colored flowers. 5-9 Rhododendron 1-8 ft.

Azaleas must be grown in an acid soil, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5 . The buds for next years blooms will be formed this year, so it important that the faded blooms are removed 6-8 Aptenia cordifolia 10" The Baby Sun Rose is a trailing, succulent perennial with glossy green foliage. It produces bright 1" flowers in the spring and summer. Excellent for hanging baskets 9-11 Cuphea llavea 2-3 ft. Bat Face Flowers are low maintenance, shrubby perennials with glossy green, lance shaped leaves. They grow 18"-24" tall with a three foot spread. Bat Face Cupheas produce masses of 1" purple tubular flowers with two bright red, upward facing petals. 10-12 Iris germanica 6-48" Bearded Iris are a rhizomous type of Iris should be planted fertile, well drained soil where they will receive 5-8 hours of sun each day. They are available in almost every color imaginable.

Hardy Penstemon Barbatus 12-24" Tubular flowers in red, pink, purple, or white will be sure to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. 4-9 Centaurea cyanus 18-36" Bachelor's Button is the annual version of the Mountain Cornflower. It is an easy to grow plant that quickly forms a nice clump. It begins producing it's bright flowers in late spring and will often continue blooming well into fall. Excellent for dried flowers and potpourri. Monarda didyma 2-4 ft. Like other members of the Mint Family, Bee Balm can become invasive. The plant should be divided every 3 years to keep it tidy. Stimulate a second flowering in the same year by cutting the bright crimson flowers right after they bloom 4-8 Andropogon gerardii 4-7 ft.

Big Bluestem forms large clumps of stiff silvery green to blue foliage, turning to a copper color in fall 4-10 Lewisia cotyledon 4-6" Bitter Root plants produce clusters of 1" flowers on 10" stems in shades of white to pink or gold, occasionally with red and white stripes from spring to early summer. Easily hybridized Rock Garden plant . Lewisias can be grown as house plants. 5-8 Rudbeckia hirta 24-36 The Black Eyed Susan is most commonly an annual wildflower, but some varieties are perennial or biennial. These native prairie flowers can be found growing wild in almost every state. These bright, daisy like flowers are excellent to use in cut flower arrangements. Deadheading spent flowers will prolong the blooming period considerably. 3-8 Gaillardia grandiflora 1-3 ft. Blanket flowers are clumping upright perennials with light green foliage. Their Daisy-like flowers appear in mid summer and are up to four inches in diameter. Blanket Flowers are easily grown from seeds 4-10 Dicentra spectabilis 2-3 ft.

Bleeding Heart is a mound forming plant with finely cut, fern-like foliage on graceful 2-3 foot arching stems topped with pretty, heart shaped, 1" flowers in late spring or early summer. Excellent plants for any shade garden or woodland setting 3-9 Bougainvillea 2-20 ft. Bougainvillias produce some of the showiest display of colors of all vines. Most cultivars have an upright growth habit, but there are many shrubby varieties and creeping types as well. 9-10 Justicia carnea 3-5 ft. The Brazilian Plume Flower is a shade loving, tropical evergreen perennial shrub with large deep green leaves. It produces a never ending show of large spikes of brightly colored, tubular flowers from spring to fall. 9-10 Buddleia davidii 6-15 ft. The Butterfly Bush is a fast growing, profuse blooming, deciduous shrub that will grow in almost any type of soil. Prune hard in early spring and remove spent flowers promptly. 5-10 Asclepias tuberosa 2 ft. Butterfly Weed is a perennial wildflower, native to the United States.

This upright growing plant has long fuzzy foliage and produces fragrant, bright orange flowers atop 3 ft. stems in July and August 4-10 Zantedeschia aethiopica 1-4 ft Callas are rhizomous, clump forming plants known for their large, lush green foliage and beautiful, stately white, pink, yellow or red flowers. These Arums are worth growing for their long lasting cut flowers alone. 8-11 Camellia 2-3 ft. Camellias are long lived evergreen shrubs or small trees that can grow anywhere from 6-20 feet tall with up to a 10 foot spread, depending on the species and cultivar. They have glossy, dark green, 2"-4" foliage that is attractive even when the plant is out of bloom. The flower colors range from pure white to deep, dark red and there are even some bi-colored varieties. 7-10 Lychnis species 2-3 ft. The botanical name , Lychnis, is from the Greek word for lamp, referring to the flame colored flowers of some species and the fact that the felt-like leaves were once used for lamp wicks.

4-10 Iberis species 6"-12" The Iberis genus of plants includes about fourty different species of annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs, with flower colors in shades of white, red, pink or lavender. They are great plants for borders or in your Rock Garden . vary Canna generalis 3-6 ft Canna is a rhizomous growing plant that is known for their large, thick leaves that unfurl like those of the Banana plant . Intensely colored, three petaled flowers emerge from the top of 3-8 ft. spikes in mid summer. Dig and store rhizomes in colder areas. They can be grown in containers 8-11 Phygelius are completely unrelated to Fuchsias . They are actually relatives of Foxgloves and Penstemons 7-9 Lobelia cardinalis 2-3 ft. The intensely bright red flower spikes of the Cardinal Flower serve as a beacon to the hummingbirds and butterflies who dine on the flower's nectar. The plant itself also acts as a host for some species of butterfly larvae 3-9 Mitraria coccinea 6 ft.

The Chilean Mitre Flower is a gorgeous creeping and climbing, plant with glossy, dark green leaves arranged in pairs along woody stems. They produce an abundance of intensely colored, scarlet-orange, tubular 1½" flowers with a soft, velvety texture. 9-11 Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 8"-12" Christmas Kalanchoes are easy to grow, winter blooming plants with waxy, green, scalloped edged leaves, and clusters of tiny, brightly colored flowers that continue for 6 weeks or longer. Most Kalanchoes that are commonly available today are dwarf hybrids that only reach 8"-12" tall. 9-12 Chrysanthemum 12-24" Chrysanthemums are just about the easiest of all of the perennials to grow. They should be planted in early spring after all danger of freezing, however they can be planted almost any time. Chrysanthemums are induced to bloom when the nights become longer than the days... 4-9 Cuphea cyanea 2-3 ft.

The Cigar Plant or Black Eyed Cuphea as it is also known, form two foot tall mounds of lance-shaped, bright green leaves with brittle stems. They produce foot long sprays of tubular, orangish-red to pink, 1"-1½" flowers with two tiny black petals. 10-12 Cuphea ignea 2-3 ft. The Cigarette Flower plant is sometimes called a Firecracker Plant. They have small, lance shaped, glossy green leaves that form tight mounds and tubular, petal-less, bright orange-red, ¾"-1¼" flowers. 10-12 Pericallis cruenta 12-24" Cineraria plants form 12"-24" tall, mounded clumps of large, lush, bright green leaves which create a nice accent for the vividly colored, 3"-5" flowers that stand above it in the spring and summer. 9-11 Celosia Argentea 12-16" Plumosa cultivar flowers resemble plume like feathers, while Cristata flowers looks like a rooster's comb with crested heads and ridges.

Low maintenance, good for dried flowers Aquilegia 12-18" The Columbine is an easy plant to grow because it adapts itself to a wide variety of conditions. They are a favorite flower for hummingbirds, and are excellent additions to rock gardens or in a native woodland planting 3-9 Heuchera sanguinea 12-18" Coral Bells are compact growing, 18" mounding, evergreen plants that offer a growing variety of outstanding foliage colors in shades of purple, rose, lime green, gold as well as many striking variegations. 6-9 Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' 1-2 ft. The Corkscrew Rush is a slow growing rush known for its wild, corkscrewing foliage. It is easily grown in wet soils, including up to four inches of standing water 4-9 Fritillaria imperialis 3-4 ft. Crown Imperials are impressive, spring flowering bulbs that have been cultivated since the 16th century.

Once the stalk begins to emerge in mid-spring, it grows very quickly to a height of 3-4 feet and adorns itself with a crown of nodding, bell shaped flowers topped with a tuft of bright, glossy green leaves. 5-9 Cyclamen persicum 2-5" The most important criteria for success with growing a Cyclamen are cool temperatures, fresh air, and ample moisture. 6-7 Cypress Vine Ipomoea quamoclit Cypress vine is a fast growing member of the Morning Glory family with attractive, feather-like foliage and pretty, 1½ star shaped tube flowers in late summer. Can be easily grown from soaked or nicked seeds Dahlia 1-6 ft. With a blast of different colors, shapes and sizes, Dahlias bring life and beauty back to your landscape in late summer and into the fall months. The flowers can be as small as 2 inches or up to a foot in diameter. 7-11 Hemerocallis 10-24" Daylilies produce an abundance of flowers which open over a long period of time. They are useful in the perennial flower border, as a garden centerpiece, or any corner of the garden which needs to be brightened up.

Daylilies can be propagated by division 3-9 Iris reticulata 6-10" Dutch Iris should be grown in rich, well draining soil with 5-8 hours of sun each day. Dutch Iris bulbs can be forced into bloom at any time of the year with no chilling, should be fed every 2 weeks 3-10 Rhipsalidopsis 6-12" Like the Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus , Easter or Spring Cactus, as they are also known, are epiphytic plants that are native to the tropical jungles of Brazil. Easter Cactus have been vigorously hybridized 9-12 Lilium 12-30" In the home, Easter Lilies prefer fairly cool daytime temperatures of 60°-65°. Night temperatures should be slightly cooler at 55°-60°. Move your Easter Lily to the garden after all danger of frost has passed Hardy Echeveria imbricata 6-12" Echeveria imbricata is a rosette forming succulent plant that is perfect for dry, sunny locations. It produces spikes of clustered flowers in early summer.

Mature specimens readily form offsets 8-11 Bellis perennis 3"-6" The original English Daisy is the wild Daisy often seen growing in lawns. This biennial plant has now been hybridized to include double flowering varieties in shades of white, pink, rose-red or purple. The bright 2" flowers appear in succession, on 6" stems from April through June. 4-10 Calendula officinalis 6"-24" The English Marigold is a bright and cheery plant that produces 3"-5" blooms all summer from June until frost. They are very fast and easy to grow and are easily grown from seeds. Crossandra infundibuliformis 2 ft. Firecracker Flowers are upright growing, tender perennials that are usually grown as house plants. They have bright green, glossy foliage and produce spikes of brightly colored flowers. Provide extra humidity by setting planter on top of a tray filled with moist stones 10-12 Anthurium species 1-3 ft. Flamingo Flower plants are durable and fairly easy to grow house plants that will thrive for many years under ideal conditions and can even survive for a year or two in the most adverse situations.

They need bright light but never full sun, and high humidity. 11-12 Dianthus caryophyllus 6-12" Florist's Carnations are actually tender perennials that are best grown from seed as an annual and then disposed of. They prefer alkaline soil and dislike heat. They produce richly fragrant flowers in the summer Ageratum 6-24" Ageratum is known for its furry mounds of long lasting floss-like blue flowers, occasionally you can find them in white and pink. Deadhead regularly for continued bloom Chaenomeles speciosa 3-10 ft. Flowering Quince is a twiggy, rounded upright deciduous shrub. The 1" foliage opens to a beautiful reddish bronze color before turning dark green by mid summer. Showy cup shaped flowers cover each stem in the spring before turning to an edible fruit by summers end 4-8 Ribes sanguineum 6-10 ft. This 6-10 foot tall deciduous shrub is hardy in USDA Planting Zones 5-8 In early spring it produces pendulous clusters of red or pink flowers that attract and feed hummingbirds , bees and butterflies .

The small bluish-black berries are eaten by a wide variety of wild birds . 5-10 Nicotiana alata 30-36" Flowering tobacco is a tall, easy to grow annual that is useful for garden backgrounds or for eye catching mass plantings. It produces an abundance of 2½" star shaped flowers all summer until first frost. Can be easily grown from seed Freesia x hybrida 12-18" Freesias are tender, brightly flowered, easy to care for bulbs that can be grown in the garden, in planters, or as a house plant in a sunny, cool room. Their fragrant, 2" flowers open over a long blooming period, in sequence along arching, wirey stems. 9-10 Fuchsia 1-4 ft. Fuchsia care is often determined by where you live and your climate. Fuchsias can be seed grown or struck from softwood cuttings. Not all varieties are hardy 7-10 Fuchsia arborescens 8-15 ft.

Tree Fuchsias are small trees that produce large clusters of tube bright, shaped flowers at almost any time of the year, followed by small purple fruits 9-11 Dianthus 6-12" Most Garden Pinks are tender perennial or biennial clump forming plants that prefer alkaline soil and dislike heat. They produce richly fragrant flowers in the spring or summer, sometimes extending right up until the first frost. Pelargonium hortorum 8-12" Geraniums are among the most popular flowering plants. They belong to a large family of sun loving annuals and tender perennials so should be planted outdoors where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily, but only after all danger of frost is past and the soil has warmed. 9-11 Miscanthus 'Giganteus' 8-12 ft.

Giant Silver Grass grows into a massive upright clump that performs equally well as a background planting or as a specimen in the center of your yard 4-9 Gladiolus 12-36" The Gladiola is an easy care, erect growing, corm type plant that produces a tall spike of dramatic, brightly colored flowers in mid to late summer. Dig and store rhizomes in colder areas. 8-11 8-12" Sinningia hybridus Gloxinias come in a wide range of colors, with variations in both foliage and flower forms. They are tuberous plants which are usually grown as houseplants, but may also be grown in containers in a shaded part of the garden. 10-12 Goldflame Honeysuckle Lonicera heckrottii Honeysuckle vines are easy to grow, vigorous, heat-tolerant, and nearly indestructible. The flashy and fragrant flowers will attract hummingbirds and butterflies all summer long. 5-9 Dianthus caryophyllus 6-12" Hardy Carnations are low maintenance, long blooming perennials.

(Unfortunately they are only hardy to zone 8 ) They prefer alkaline soil and dislike heat. They produce their sweetly fragrant flowers all spring 8-10 Althaea rosea 3-7 ft. Hollyhocks are easy to start from seed. The towering spikes host dozens of white, yellow, pink, red or crimson flowers from mid Summer until late Fall Honeysuckle Lonicera Honeysuckle are easy to grow, vigorous, heat-tolerant, and nearly indestructible. The flashy, fragrant flowers will attract hummingbirds and butterflies all summer long. The resulting fruit will provide a fall treat for your local songbirds as well. 4-10 Anisacanthus quadrifidus 3-5 ft. Hummingbird Bushes are covered with redish orange, tube shaped blooms from mid Summer until first frost. They are drought tolerant, heat-loving small deciduous shrubs that Hummingbirds love! 7-10 Hyacinth Bean Dolichos lablab The Hyacinth Bean is a fast growing tender perennial that is usually grown as an annual.

This twining vine has purplish green foliage, pinkish lavender blooms in summer and fall and purple seed pods in the fall 8-10 Impatiens 12" Impatiens are colorful, easy to grow annuals that are especially great for adding bright color spots in the shady areas of your garden. Can be grown as a house plant. Can be easily grown from seed > Ivy Geranium Pelargonium peltatum The Ivy Leaved Geranium is a frost tender, climbing and trailing, semi succulent perennial that produces clusters of orchid-like flowers at the vine tips all summer. Good in hanging baskets. They can be propagated by softwood cuttings or grown from seed 9-11 Acer palmatum 3-20 ft. Japanese Maple trees grow best in a moist, well draining, fertile soil. There are over 300 beautiful and diverse hybrids with a wide range of growing habits and foliage colors and shapes. 4-8 Pieris japonica 6-12 ft. The Japanese Pieris, or Lily of the Valley shrub is a nice plant to add to the garden for early spring color.

It is a compact, symetrical, evergreen shrub that has leathery 3-4 inch foliage that emerges coppery-pink, before turning to a deep green. Cascading clusters of small, urn shaped flowers open in February or early March. 4-8 Lantana montevidensis 1-4 ft. Lantanas are fast growing, shrubby, spreading or trailing evergreen plants that grow from one to four feet tall. Lantana plants produce flat-topped 2" clusters of bright, multi-colored tubular flowers in the summer and fall. 7-11 Consolida ambigua 1-5 ft. Larkspur is a low maintenance, upright growing annual with many stems of sparsely covered with light green, needle-like foliage topped with a spire of brightly colored flowers throughout the summer. Remove spent blooms to prolong flowering. Lewisia cotyledon 4-6" Bitter Root plants produce clusters of 1" flowers on 10" stems in shades of white to pink or gold, occasionally with red and white stripes from spring to early summer. Easily hybridized Rock Garden plant . Lewisias can be grown as house plants.

5-8 Syringa vulgaris 5-8 ft. Lilacs require full sun for maximum bloom. They prefer a slightly alkaline soil (pH 7.5) . Most Lilacs require a pronounced winter chilling period or they may fail to bloom the following year 3-7 Lipstick Plant Aeschynanthus radicans Lipstick Plants have thick, glossy, dark green leaves growing in pairs along their long, woody stems. Each vine is tipped with clusters of 2" tubular, scarlet red flowers emerging from maroon calyxes in mid-summer. 11-12 Schizachyrium scoparium 2-4 ft. Little Bluestem Grass forms dense clumps of fine textured foliage. The flower stem will grow to 30" tall before displaying its burgundy flower spray. Little Bluestem is a larval host for many species of butterflies and provides nesting material and seed for birds. 3-8 Lotus Vine Lotus maculatus The Lotus Vine is a semi hardy hanging or ground crawling vine that is most often grown as an annual plant. The foliage consists of fine, 1-2", silvery blue needle like leaves.

Produces lots of bright, 'parrot beak' shaped flowers in late spring and early summer. Excellent for hanging baskets or to cascade down a rockery 9-11 Lupinus 12-36" Lupines are upright, mound forming annual or perennial wildflowers with large green, lance shaped leaves and spikes of brightly colored sweet pea-like flowers from June to August. Can be easily grown from seed Beware of slugs! 3-8 Compact shrub-like growth, tiny foliage, profusion of small white to pink flowers 8-9 Argyranthemum frutescens 1-3 ft. Marguerite Daisies are easy to grow, tender perennials that are usually grown as annual plants. They produce masses of fragrant, 1-2", Chrysanthemum-like flowers from mid spring until mid fall that attract many types of butterflies Tagetes 8-36" Marigolds are one of the easiest of all plants to grow and care for, making them a perfect plant for teaching young children about growing and gardening . These spunky little plants are only hardy in zones 9-11 so they are normally grown as annual bedding plants.

9-11 Salvia nemorosa 3 ft. Narrow erect plant with irregular leaves, spikes of small purple to white blooms in the Summer. Prefers slightly alkaline soil 5-10 Asclepias speciosa 2-3 ft. Milkweed is a deciduous American wildflower with large, wooly, greyish green leaves. They produce clusters of brightly colored, uniquely shaped flowers from late spring until late summer which turn into large, pointed seed pods 3-9 Mme. Galen's Trumpet Creeper Campsis x tagliabuana Mme. Galen's Trumpet Creeper is a cross between Campsis radicans and Campsis grandiflora with large dark green serrated leaves and bright reddish orange flowers. t thrives in poor soil and in partial shade 6-9 Mimulus hybridus 1 ft. The Monkey Flower is a colorful, easy to grow addition to the shaded areas of your garden. This plant grows well in containers and can be grown as a house plant Crocosmia 2-4 Ft. Crocosmia are easy to grow, corm type plants that are related to the Iris.

They produce a stalk of brilliantly colored, tube shaped flowers that open sequentially up the stem from July until the first hard frost . They can be grown, but not over-wintered in containers 5-8 Ipomoea species 10-20 ft. Morning Glories are very fast growing vines that are capable of growing 10 feet or more within the first two months. They readily reseed themselves for the next year. Morning Glory vines may become invasive 9-12 Silene schafta 6-12" Semi-evergreen clump of hairy, tongue shaped leaves, solitary purplish/red flowers appear on wirey stems in late Summer and Fall 6-10 Portulaca Grandiflora 4-8 Moss Rose is a quick growing succulent annual. Portulaca seeds should be sown outside after your last frost has passed. Seeds will germinate within 10-15 days. Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus Once established, Nasturtiums take little or no care. As they spread and grow, their foliage resembles a sea of tiny lily pad leaves topped with brightly colored, edible blossoms.

Can be easily grown from seed Nemesia strumosa 10-12" Nemesias are brightly colored annual plants that quickly grow to a height of 12 inches. Nemesias grow well in hanging baskets and planters Papaver orientale 18-36" Poppy plants form 18"-36" tall clumps of deeply divided green leaves that are covered with fine bristles. These undemanding perennials slowly spread by rhizomes to form nice two to three foot colonies. Their flowers have the texture of silky crepe paper. 3-7 Coleus blumei 8-24" Coleus plants are durable and easy to grow. They are best known for their bright colors, and variety of foliage forms Viola 3-8" Pansies may be cool season annuals, biennials, or hardy perennials. They may bloom in early spring or fall depending on the species.

Planting time is critical 6-9 Pulsatilla vulgaris 9"-12" In early spring, Pasque Flower plants produce large, 3"-4", violet purple, pink or sometimes white flowers with bold, contrasting yellow centers which, as they begin to fade, are followed by finely dissected, silvery green, fern-like foliage. 4-8 Passion Flower Passiflora incarnata Passion flowers are generally considered to be hardy in USDA zones 5-9 but they should be planted in a protected location and mulched heavily if severe cold threatens. This vine produces dramatic 3 inch diameter flowers in late summer 5-9 Paeonia lactiflora 1-3 ft. Peony clumps may survive for up to as long as 50 years, so it is advisable to prepare the site very thoroughly before planting. Once they have become established in the garden, they are reasonably free from maintenance and problems.

Peonies can be propagated by division 3-8 Ranunculus asiaticus 8-18" Persian Buttercups provide a continuing display of beautiful 3"-5" Camellia-like flowers atop branched, 8"-18" stems, from late spring through mid summer. They are well suited plants for growing in planters 8-10 Petunia hybrida 12-18" Petunias have long been the most popular flowering annual for planting in hanging baskets, window boxes and for border plantings. There are many single and double flowering varieties available. Can be easily grown from seed Phlox Phlox subulata 4-6" Mat growing fine foliage with masses of 1 inch, fragrant, star shaped flowers (white, blue, pink or red) in Spring 3-10 Alstroemeria 2-3 ft. Peruvian Lily plants are easy to care for, tuberous rooted perennials with bright green, lance shaped foliage that grow 2-3 feet tall. They produce loose clusters of speckled, 1½"-2" Azalea-like flowers on long, leafy stems in late spring into mid summer.

7-10 Scabiosa columnaria 1-2 ft. The Pincushion Flower is a long blooming, clump forming perennial. From early summer until the first frost of fall, Pincushion Flowers produce an abundance of rounded, 1½" flowerheads on top of wirey, 12"-24" stems. 4-8 Penstemon pinifolius 10-18" The Pineleaf Penstemon blooms for 6-10 weeks in mid summer. The dark orange flowers, will attract hummingbirds from miles around 4-9 Calceolaria 6-15" There are about 300 species of Calceolaria, but the vast majority of those commonly cultivated are hybrids of the Chilean species Calceolaria crenatiflora. They are commonly known as Pocketbook Plants, Pouch Flowers or Slipper Flowers. 9-11 Euphorbia pulcherrima 1-8 ft. Poinsettias are perennials, so it's possible to keep them growing from year to year.

In order to get them to produce their flower bracts again next December, they must be kept at 50 degrees and kept in total darkness for 14 hours per day beginning in mid September. 10-12 Schizanthus wisetonensis 1-2 ft. The colorful orchid like flowers of the Butterfly Flower contrast beautifully against the soft, feathery foliage of this annual. Schizanthus dislike extremes of heat or cold, preferring cool and moist conditions. Calliandra haematocephala 3-10 ft. Calliandra haematocephala, commonly known as the Powder Puff Tree grow up to 10 feet tall with an equal spread, but dwarf, 3-6 foot varieties are also available, which are more appropriate in colder regions where you will need to over-winter your plant indoors . 10-12 Primula 6-12" Hundreds of species and varieties suitable for a wide range of garden uses. Dwarf varieties are best for rock gardens vary Pennisetum setaceum 12-18" Purple Fountain Grass forms tufts of short, rigid stems topped by long, bronze colored blades of grass.

12" purplish pink flower spikes. Often grown as an annual 9-10 Trifolium pratense 10-20" Red Clover is a legumous, nitrogen fixing, frost tender perennial with light green, trifoliate leaves immediately below a globe type flower head. It blooms from late spring until mid fall. An excellent cover crop. 6-8 Kniphofia uvaria 2-5 ft The stately flowers of the Torch Lily, Kniphofia uvaria provide a dramatic display, when grown in a space where the entire plant is visible. If you have sufficient space, you can select varieties to provide bloom during every month from May through October! 5-10 Cephalophyllum speciosum 5" Red Spike Ice Plant is a clustering (to 18") succulent ground cover. It will produce two inch red flowers in winter and early spring.

Requires well draining soil 9-11 Enkianthus campanulatus 10 ft Redvein Enkianthus are deciduous shrubs known for their small, densely clustered, lightly scented bell shaped flowers that appear in late spring and the layered effect of their small, stiff, bluish-green leaves. In the fall, the foliage turns to shades of yellow, orange or red. 6-9 Rhododendron 5 ft. Rhododendron 'Blitz' has deep red, trumpet shaped flowers in late May. Rhododendrons must be grown in an acid soil, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5 . They will not tolerate lime. 2-8 Pleione bulbocodioides 3" Produces a single 3 inch orchid flower in early Spring, followed by a single 6 inch leaf; tough to grow, but very rewarding 8-10 Malephora lutea 6-12" The Rocky Point Ice Plant is a fast growing, very succulent ground cover from South Africa.

In extremely hot regions it should be planted in partial or light shade to avoid sun burn 9-10 Rosary vine Ceropegia woodii The vines of the Rosary plant are like thin wires with marbled, heart shaped leaves. They will reach two to four feet in length. The slender flowers resemble an inverted, small pink vase. The end of the tube is partly closed by delicate purple bars. Do not over-water! Usually grown as a house plant 10-11 Hibiscus moscheutos 4-8 ft. Hardy Hibiscus are upright growing, multi stemmed perennial plants with light green, 6-8 inch leaves that have a fuzzy underside. Dramatic 5"-12" flowers appear in late summer. Rose Mallow does not like to be moved once it has become established 5-10 Rosmarinus officinalis 2-6 ft. Rosemary is a tender evergreen shrub which does best with at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. In warm climates, rosemary should be planted outdoors in well-drained soil and full sun, spacing plants 2 to 3 feet apart.

In cold climates, grow your rosemary plant in a pot so it may be brought indoors during winter, where it should be placed in a sunny window or under flourescent grow lights. 8-10 Salvia splendens 3-5 ft. Scarlet Sage is a frost tender perennial that is usually grown as an annual. It blooms in various colors including scarlet, purple, orange, lavender and yellow. Remove old flowers for repeat blooms. Calluna vulgaris 6-36" Heather is a compact, shrubby, evergreen ground cover plant from Northern Europe that covers itself with spires of tiny, brightly colored bell-shaped flowers from late summer through fall. 4-9 Armeria maritima 4-8" Sea Pink is a low maintenance, short lived perennial that forms a compact mound of narrow, dark green, grass-like leaves. It produces a steady supply of white to pink flowers from late spring until late summer 4-9 Sedum telephium 18-24" Sedum Autumn Joy is a low maintenance, clump forming, succulent perennial plant with waxy, grey green foliage.

Four inch clusters of tiny, star shaped flowers appear from mid summer until mid autumn 3-8 Antirrhinum Majas 9-48" Snapdragons produce tall stalks of fragrant flowers that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the summer. Snapdragons are easily grown from seed Cleome hasslerana 4-6 ft. Spider Flowers are durable plants that make outstanding mass plantings which create the illusion of a large flowering shrub. They producebrightly colored, 8" balls of blossoms from mid summer until early fall. Good for cut flowers. Can be easily grown from seed Limonium sinuatum 12-18" Statice has been cultivated since the mid 17th century as a garden flower, but also as an herb which was used for the treatment of dysentary as well as other ailments. Statice produces its flowers from early summer until frost, in the brightly colored bracts which grow atop the stiff, angular, 1-2 foot stems. 10-12 Sunflower Helianthus annuus Sunflowers are single stemmed annuals with large, fuzzy, silvery green, lance shape leaves.

They produce long lasting, large single or multiple flower heads that range from 4-12" depending on the variety. Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus Sweet Peas have long been a favorite of gardeners because of the wonderful fragrance of the large clusters of colorful flowers that grace these annual vines all summer. Dianthus barbatus 6-12" Sweet William is a clump forming, deciduous biennial that prefers alkaline soil and dislikes heat. They produce a steady supply of fragrant, showy flowers from late spring to late summer, sometimes extending right up until the first frost. Switch Grass Panicum virgatum 5 ft. There are many cultivars of Switch Grass offering a variety of foliage colors and variations but their care is the same. Switch Grass is a larval host for some butterflies and provides seed for ground feeding birds. 5-9 Cirsium vulgare 2-6 ft. There are many different species of Thistle, and nearly all of them are considered weeds. They are worst known for their prickly stems, prickly leaves and prickly flowers, but the butterflies like them 4-10 Coreopsis species 1-3 ft.

Coreopsis plants form nice, slow spreading clumps of green, fern-like or thread-like foliage with profusely blooming flowers that stand above the foliage on long, wirey stems. Coreopsis are excellent border or rock garden plants , and are great for cut flower arrangements. 4-9 Kniphofia uvaria 1-3 ft. The multi-colored flower spikes of the Torch Lily will reach 2-5 feet in height, depending on the variety. The coloring may range from ivory and orange to coral red. Provide a winter mulch 5-10 Calibrachoa 6-8" Calibracoa shares most of the features of a Petunia , except everything is shrunk down to about one fourth the size. Trailing Petunias are easy to care for, fast growing plants that will produce an abundance of Petunia-like blooms all summer long. 9-11 Gerbera jamesonii 10-15" Gerbera plants have dark green, deeply cut, 10" leaves with fuzzy undersides. Large, brightly colored, Daisy-like flowers stand above the foliage on stiff, leafless stems all summer.

8-11 Trillium grandiflorum 8-24" Trilliums are shade loving, spring blooming perennial woodland wildflowers. They have three dark green, single layer leaves below a green three leaf whorl, below their large three petal flower. Trilliums will most likely perish if their foliage is cut from the plant 3-7 Tritonia 12-18" Tritonias are corm growing plants from South Africa that produce pretty little six petaled flowers in late spring. They dislike wet environments. Hardy Campsis radicans 30 ft. Trumpet Creeper is a deciduous, clinging vine which grows to great heights. It produces large orange-red trumpet shaped blooms throughout the summer. A hummingbird favorite 4-10 Trumpet Honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens Coral Honeysuckle is a fast growing, high climbing, semi-evergreen vine.

It produces clusters of intensely colored, trumpet shaped flowers all summer then red berries in the fall 4-10 Trumpet Vine Campsis tagliabuana This Trumpet Vine is a vigorous growing, low maintenance climber with the ability to cling to walls with its root like tendrils. It produces brightly colored 2-3" trumpet shaped flowers from mid summer into early fall 5-10 Verbena species 6"-5' There are about 250 annual and perennial species of Verbena but there are only about a half dozen that are commonly cultivated. These easy to grow, long blooming plants are both heat and drought tolerant. Trailing forms of Verbena are excellent for growing in containers and hanging baskets . vary Viburnum bodnantense 8-10 ft. Viburnum are deciduous shrubs that produce clusters of very fragrant pink flowers in mid-winter to early spring. Deeply textured foliage. Can be propagated by softwood cuttings 5-9 Acer circinatum 15-20 ft.

Vine Maple grow well in a wide variety of soil types, varying levels of sunlight and tolerate almost any level of watering once established 5-9 Erysimum 1-4 ft. The Wallflower is an old-fashioned perennial garden flower which is usually grown as an annual or biennial because it tends to 'bloom itself to death'. The profusion of fragrant, bright orange flowers in early spring makes this plant an excellent choice for the butterfly garden, flower bed, or garden border. 6-9 Nymphaea species 18-36" There are about fifty species of Water Lily plants. Water Lilies are tuberous growing plants that can be planted in pots and submerged in your pond or even in a tub on your patio, where they will send up round, floating leaves and beautiful, sometimes fragrant, star shaped flowers to the surface. Varies Begonia semperflorens 6-12" Dwarf varieties of Wax Begonia grow from 6"-8" tall. Tall varieties grow from 10"-12" tall.

They have succulent stems and waxy, deep green to dark mahogany colored foliage, and they produce loose clusters of single or double, white, pink or red flowers from early May until October. 9-11 Weigela rosea 6 ft. Weeping Weigela are easy to care for deciduous shrubs They cover themselves with brightly colored, five petal star flowers from May to June. Can be grown into a beautiful hedge 5-9 costa rica flowers Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia) the blooms are at the top of 6 foot stems Banana production. Not many bananas are visible as you drive through the plantations. The bunches are covered with blue bags for protection from insects, nematodes and rain. Guy lines are needed for each of the trees to prevent uprooting do to strong winds and rain softened ground. Monorail tracks are used to transport bunches of bananas from the fields to processing. Workers hang the bunches from chains attached to small trolleys then push then along the track. Drawbridges like these allow them to cross the road. We saw several varieties of wild bananas. The ones in the first picture were as hard as rock. Other fruits we saw growing.

Star Fruit or Carambola (Averrhoa carambola). Elderberry (Sambucus ) These are the flowers of a cocoa tree They will produce a 6 to 10 inch pod with 20 to 30 beans. Which when processed will yield a little more than an ounce of cocoa. I understand that Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is not very tasty. It is also called beach mulberry and cheese fruit. It is bitter and strong smelling but edible ... barely. This was identified as Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) a.k.a. Costa Rican Guava or Sour Guava. By Brett. This fruit is a Cainito (Chrysophyllum cainito). When ripe it is purple and I am told delicious. Thanks to someone at Swiss Travel Costa Rica for your help identifying this and the next fruit. Possible oops . Another visitor,Jorge, to my site said "I'm 99.999.9999.99999.99999% sure that what you are displaying as a caimito is either a green cas or a green guayaba.

I bet on the cas." With that degree of certainty I can't argue with his identification. If I had cut it open it would have been easy to deturmine which ID was right. I am no expert and rely on visitors to this page for their assistance so thanks for your help everyone. Achiote (Bixa orellana) It is used to produce annatto, a food coloring which is used in Costa Rica and in the US since it is "exempt of certification" by the rules of the Food and Drug Administration. Thanks again to whoever it was at Swiss Travel Costa Rica for your help. Saragundi (Senna Reticulata) is reported to be beneficial for all sorts of medical conditions: fever, constipation, arthritis, rheumatism, skin problems, herpes, psoriasis,and as a vermifuge. Its other common name "Piss-a-bed" suggests that it may have some side effects. We also saw papaya and pineapples being raised commercially. I don't know the names of these. If you can identify any of them please send a note . Thanks to Kathleen who happened on this page and identified this fruit that I had listed as unknown as a "limon Mandrolino".

With that as a lead Google gave me the Spanish common name as "limon mandarina", which translates to mandarin lemon in English. It is also known as a Paraguayan lemon, lime Canton, rough lemon, Rangpur lime, Limao cravo, hime lemon, or tangerine acid depending on where you are or where it was thought to originate. It is probably a hybrid of a mandarin orange and lemon. (1) This is another flower identified by a visitor to this page. He said "It is a brunfelsia also known as a Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. The flower changes from purple to lavender to white thus the name." Thanks Bud (a great name for someone with a knowledge of plants don't you think.) Red Button Ginger, Scarlet Spiral Flag, Red Cane, Panamanian Candle Ginger, Dwarf French Kiss (Costus woodsonii) Another visitor was looking for the Yesterday Today and Tomorrow and spotted this flower. He recognized it as ginger, researched the exact type and sent a note. Thanks Bob. I really appreciate all the information I get from you folks out there on the web. Lynn who lives in Costa Rica not only identified this plant but also included an interesting story about it.

This is what she said. "Species: Hamelia patens Of the family: RUBIACEAE Commonly known as Redhead, or zorilla real, palo camaron and coralillo in Spanish, this plant has several medicinal uses. Used as a remedy to many skin problems, including sores, bruises, itches, rashes, insect bites or stings, burns, cuts, and fungal infections. According to recent research, it was demonstrated that active compounds in the leaves have antibacterial and anti fungal properties, displaying analgesic activity as well. Having completed all the scientific data, allow me to add my personal experience with this plant: One day after receiving a spider bite (type unknown) while puttering in our yard here in Costa Rica, my husband was instructed by our yard man to crush and soak some of the leaves from this plant (which we, fortunately, have growing in our yard) in approximately. a liter of tap water for 30 minutes.; remove the leaves and soak the hand. Much to our surprise, not only did the severe swelling subside, but the venom was drawn from the wound and it healed in just a couple of days.

Pretty remarkable plant!" I am glad it was so effective for you, Lynn, and thank you for your help. I don't know the names of any of these other flowers. If you can help out please send a note , I would appreciate it. It was identified by a visitor to this page. Thanks Kelley I appreciate your help. Swamp Lily (Crinum erubescens) was common along the waterways. The guide called this walking bamboo. The prop roots are useful in the swamp where we saw it. This sprout probably began growing at the top of the palm tree then rode the frond down when it fell. It may have a difficult time getting its roots into the soil. This coconut palm seedling will struggle as well. It was about 100 feet toward the sea from the other palms on the beach. A cyad identified as (Cycas revoluta) growing along the walkway at the Turtle Beach Lodge. If was properly identified it isn't native to Costa Rica. Monkey ladder vine that could well serve as a ladder for very heavy monkeys. You had to watch carefully in order not to miss some flowers. To illustrate, these show up as four slightly pink pixels in the middle of the second picture.

Rain forest during the rainy season. I expected to see a lot of fungus/mushrooms of various sorts but they were less in evidence than in the woods of KY. House plants growing wild. Red Passion flower (Passiflora coccinea) A different kind of Parrot Flower (Heliconia). It looks a lot different from the ones at the top of the page but it is closely related. Pink Ginger, not as common as the Red Ginger that we saw everywhere. Shampoo Ginger or Maraca. Pavoncillo Colorado (Megaskepasma erythrochlamys) This one has lots of names. Torch Ginger, Ginger Flower, Red Ginger Lily, Torch Lily, Wild Ginger, and my favorite Porcelain Rose (Etlingera elatior) And some more I can't identify, of course. I think that the bee in (8c) is an Orchid Bee that would make the flower an Orchid but I would like to confirm both. (5)

Question: What is the proper name of the flowering plant commonly known as the Red Hot Poker?
Answer: KNIPHOFIA