The firecracker plant is a weeping shrub with a very unique look. The lanky, multi-stemmed, three- to four-foot-long branches are often covered in bright red tubular flowers from spring through early winter. Maybe you have a firecracker ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
It is fairly common for gardeners to send us photographs of unknown plants to identify which is always welcome. One plant we get more than once is often an uninvited guest.  It is a native and may even fit nicely into your landscape - the ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
This has been a spectacular year for loropetalums (Loropetalum chinensis) around North Central Florida. The mildly sweet-smelling, pink fringed flowers give this plant its common name, Chinese fringe flower. Loropetalums are one of the most ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
By Ralph E. Mitchell A common, but often underutilized plant, crossandra is an ideal companion for any landscape that offers part-sun and part-shade conditions. This native to India and Sri Lanka is a perennial evergreen shrub that provides ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Q: What can you tell me abut the ‘Awabuki’ viburnum? A: ‘Awabuki’ is a specific cultivar of Viburnum odoratissimum or Sweet viburnum. This cultivar has all the same characteristics of other Sweet viburnum but we do not plant it as often ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
A: Well, let’s start with how they are alike which is why telling them apart may be causing you problems. Viburnum and ligustrum are both evergreen (although there are some deciduous viburnum) shrub/trees and have glossy green leaves. The ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Q: I am seeing a rather large shrub right now which has red, flowers. The do not spread open, but hang down. It reminds me of a hibiscus that never opens. A: I believe you are describing Turks-cap mallow, Malvaviscus penduliflorus. It is ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
A: Swamp Titi, Cyrilla racemiflora, is a shrub/tree often found in wetland or swamp areas. It is known by a few other common names such as Swamp Cryilla or Leatherwood. The wood is of no commercial value. If allowed to grow to its potential, ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
A: It is in the genus Lyonia. The portion you brought into the Yulee office appears to be a Coastal plain staggerbush. It is found in Georgia, the lower portions of South Carolina and throughout Florida except possibly, the far western portion ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
Q: We moved here in April and have this wonderful bush in front of our house. However, we don’t know the name of it and have not been able to find it in any of the books we have looked through. Plus, we have some questions about it. Is it ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes