Collector Plants - Page 2 (C-G)

Plants are in alphabetical order by botanical names.

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Coccoloba uvifera
Common Name: Sea Grape
Latin Name: Coccoloba uvifera
Family: Polygonaceae
Origin: tropical American and Caribbean beaches
Hardiness: USDA zone 9B - 11
large shrub with thick round leaves, edible fruit, salt tolerant

Croton 'Dreadlocks'
Common Name: Jamaican Dreadlocks Croton
Latin Name: Codiaeum variegatum 'Dreadlocks'
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Zone: 10
Colorful plant with narrow twisted leaves.

Croton Franklin Roosevelt
Common Name: Franklin Roosevelt Croton
Latin Name: Codiaeum variegatum 'Franklin Roosevelt'
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Zone: 10
Also known as Red Spot, this has an elongated leaf with red, burgundy, orange, yellow and green spots. Rare heirloom Croton from the 1930s.

Croton 'Mrs. Iceton'
Common Name: Mrs. Iceton Croton
Latin Name: Codiaeum variegatum 'Mrs. Iceton'
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Zone: 10
Rare

Common Name: Picasso's Paintbrush Croton
Latin Name: Codiaeum variegatum 'Picasso’s Paintbrush'
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Zone: 10+
Fine narrow leaves with multi-colored center stripes. A most unusual Croton!

Croton-'Rocio'
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Common Name: Croton-'Rocio'
Latin Name: Codiaeum variegatum 'Rocio'
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Zone: 10+

Stoplight Croton
Common Name: Stoplight Croton
Latin Name: Codiaeum variegatum 'Stoplight'
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Zone: 10+
Rare

Croton 'Zanzibar'
Common Name: Zanzibar Croton
Latin Name: Codiaeum variegatum 'Zanzibar'
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Zone: 10+
Rare

Common Name: 'Mojito' Taro
Latin Name: Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito'
Family: Araceae
Origin: Florida
Hardiness: USDA Zone 7b-11
A variety of elephant ear.

 

Common Name: Silver buttonwood
Latin Name: Conocarpus erectus
Hardiness:
Silver buttonwood is a Florida native large shrub to small tree that can tolerate salt, wet, dry, sun, partial shade and a vast array of soils. In short, it is one tough plant. Popular for seaside plantings, but also very decorative in tropical landscapes. The flowers are inconspicuous, but has very attractive red cone-like fruit. The contorted trunk and bark are also popular for bonsai use.

Common Name: Geiger Tree
Latin Name: Cordia sebestena
Family: Boraginaceae
Origin: American tropics
Hardiness:
orange geiger tree, spectacular orange flowered tree native to south Florida. It grows oval shaped fruits that are edible, but not flavorful. The Geiger Tree tolerates drought but not frost.

Common Name: 'Torbay Dazzler' Cordyline
Latin Name: Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler'
Family: Agavaceae
Zone: 9-11
'Torbay Dazzler' is an evergreen palm like tropical growing to 20' tall and 10 feet wide. It sports cream variegated leaves with white flowers on mature plants. Grow in full sun/shade. Drought tolerant. Hardy to 15 F. Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler' is from Torbay Palm farm in Cornwall U.K. A stunning Cordyline cultivar, this striking plant received Britain's prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 2004.

Common Name: Willey's Gold Cordyline
Latin Name: Cordyline terminalis 'Willey's Gold'
Family: Agavaceae
Zone: 9b-11
Leaves are brilliant gold, green, red & pink. Color best in bright light.

Common Name: Variegated Crinum
Latin Name: Crinum asiaticum 'Variegated'
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Zone: 7-10
Beautifully variegated green and white stripes could make this tropical bulb a showpiece specimen in your garden. Can bloom year round with warm weather. This is a large plant with 2-3 foot tall erect flower spikes of a dozen or more blooms each. Does well either in the ground or in a large container.

Common Name: Red Bog Lily
Latin Name: Crinum x 'Menehune'
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Zone: 8-10
Hot new dwarf Crinum 'Menehune' (center - dark red foliage) grows to about 2 feet tall and has lasting dark purple red leaves. Developed in Hawaii, the name refers to a mythological race of small dark-skinned people from the Hawaiian Islands that lived deep in the islands lush tropical forests. Menehune is a strikingly beatuiful crinum hybrid unlike any other.

Crinum 'Summer Nocturne'
Common Name: Crinum 'Summer Nocturne'
Latin Name: Crinum moorei x erubescens
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Zone: 7-10
Cross of C. moorei and C. erubescens with prolific flowering in mid-summer till fall. Fragrant flowers are pale pink and darker pink towards the petal tips.

Stars and Stripes Crinum
Common Name: Crinum 'Stars and Stripes'
Latin Name: Crinum scabrum x erubescens
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Zone: 7b-10

A Crinum hybrid created by Thad Howard using C. scabrum and C. erubescens as parents, Stars and Stripes is a strikingly beautiful Crinum with deep magenta-red center stripes on white petals. This Crinum can take our hot summers and blooms best then although it will often re-bloom again in the fall. Flowers are held on 2 ft tall sturdy stems.


Common Name: Cubanola
Latin Name: Cubanola domingensis
Family: Rubiaceae
Zone: 10 - 11
Large fragrant white greenish flowers on this shrubby small tree from the Dominican Republic. Blooms repeatedly, fragrance is said to smell like warm chocolate. Tropical and rare!

Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0


Common Name: Cycad
Latin Name: Cycas debaoensis
Family: Cycadaceae
Zone: 8 - 10
Rare Cycad. These are seed grown. Bipinnate leaves, cold hardy to 20 degrees. Beautiful, frilly fronds can reach 8 to 10'. From China! Extremely rare to find.

Common Name: Garlic Vine, Ajos Sacha (False Garlic)
Latin Name: Cydista aequinoctialis
Family: Bignoniaceae
Zone: 10
Ornamental evergreen vine to 15 feet, blooms twice per year in spring and fall with clusters of fragrant 3 inch long purple flowers turning, lavender then white by the third day open. Leaves smell of garlic when crushed. Native to the American tropics (Central America to Brazil, West Indies). Garlic Vine does well as a container grown plant. Protect from freezing and grow in full sun to partial shade.

Common Name: Blue ginger
Latin Name: Dichorisandra thyrsiflora
Family: Commelinaceae
Zone: 9-12

cobalt blue blooms in summer on this spiderwort relative, not a true ginger, prefers shade.


Common Name: Variegated Gold Stripe, South African Hosta
Latin Name: Drimiopsis kirkii
Family: Hyacinthaceae
Zone: 10-11

Great shade plant. This particular variety is hard to find. The gold stripe gets more pronounced as the plant gets older. It multiplies and is hardy in winter. Height is about 10 inches.


Common Name: Sunny Smile Drimiopsis
Latin Name: Drimiopsis saundersiae-'Sunny-Smile'
Family: Hyacinthaceae
Zone: 10-11

Beautiful and rare South African bulb with variegated, spotted succulent leaves that start out bright yellow then age to green leopard spots. Does best in bright shaded conditions with average watering with well drained soil. Let dry out between waterings. Small flowers are greenish white.


Common Name: Moonglow
Latin Name: Dyckia brevifolia hybs
Family: Bromeliaceae
Zone: 9 - 11
Rare variety of Bromeliad family.

Common Name: Silver Sheen
Latin Name: Dyckia brevifolia hybs
Family: Bromeliaceae
Zone: 9 - 11
This bromeliad relative is hardy. It will bloom orange spikes in spring. Will take full sun, but prefers a bit of afternoon shade. Easy rock garden plant.

Common Name: Dyckia Bromeliads
Latin Name: Dyckia sp. hybrids
Family: Bromeliaceae
Zone: 9 - 11

One of the hardiest of bromeliads, Dyckias form clumping rosettes with tough spiny leaves in shades of green, gray, purple, red,and yellow. These terrestrial broms are hardy to around 20°F (-7°C) making them one of the best bromeliads for permanent landscape plantings along the Gulf Coast. Foliage is sturdier and more colorful in full sun although they will tolerate light shade. Grow with light to regular watering and in a well drained porous even rocky soil. We have lots of colors, sizes, and shapes to choose from.


Common Name: Gold Variegated Elaeagnus
Latin Name: Elaeagnus pungens Maculata
Family: Elaeagnaceae
Zone: 7-11

Fragrant flowers, yellow variegated leaves, evergreen shrub to 5 feet tall. Grow in full sun to light shade.

Fruit can be used to make jelly.


Common Name: Orchid Cactus
Latin Name: Epiphyllum hybrid
Family: Cactaceae
Zone: 10-11

Gorgeous giant 8 inch diameter day blooming tropical epiphytic cactus hybrid. Not really an orchid or an Epiphyllum cactus, Orchid Cactus are mostly hybrids of related cactus genera such as Disocactus, Pseudorhipsalis and Selenicereus. Just call them Epis.

Flowers generally last two days and bloom from March till June.


Common Name: Sunshine Tree
Latin Name: Erythrina variegata var. orientalis
Family: Fabaceae
Zone: 10

One of the most beautiful of the Coral Bean trees, requires full sun, is drought tolerant, and tender to frost.

This is a rare and much sought after tropical tree.
Does well in containers, but must be protected during freezing weather. Blooms red flowers in spring before leafing out for the summer. Leaves are deciduous, dropping in winter. Fruit is bright red, persistent throughout the winter. An Old World tropical tree native to India and Malaysia.


Common Name: Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
Latin Name: Eucalyptus cinerea
Family: Myrtaceae
Zone: 8-11
Small shrub from Southeastern Australia growing to 12 to 16 feet ( up to 60 feet in native habitat) and 3-4 feet wide. Opposite round leaves are bright silver white, leaves are pleasingly aromatic when crushed. Great accent plant for a sunny garden. Requires well drained soil and enjoys hot dry conditions. Foliage stems are frequently used by florists in fresh flower arrangements.

Common Name: Lemon Scented Eucalyptus
Latin Name: Eucalyptus citriodora
Family: Myrtaceae
Zone: 9-11
Fast growing Australian tree with essential lemon scented oils often used in insect repellents. Grow in full sun with average watering.

Common Name: Rainbow Eucalyptus
Latin Name: Eucalyptus deglupta
Family: Myrtaceae
Zone: 10-11

A tropical tree with showy multi-colored streaks on smooth pealing bark. It is the only Eucalyptus species found naturally in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Extremely fast growing.

Image is trunk detail on mature tree.


Common Name: Sparkling Burgundy Pineapple Lily
Latin Name: Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy'
Family:
Zone: 8-10
A dramatic bulb from Tropical South Africa, Pineapple Lily has burgundy foliage 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide and blooms late summer. Great accent plant for flower beds or container growing. Prefers a warm, sunny spot with moist well drained soil, and plenty of mulch. Foliage is darkest in spring, changing lighter shades in summer. Flowers are dramatic and long lasting, great for arrangements.

Common Name: Green Pineapple Lily
Latin Name: Eucomis sp.
Family: Hyacinthaceae
Hardiness:
Green leaves with spotting on leaf undersides. Flowers are showy and cream colored. Leaves have wavy edges. Great shade plant.

Common Name: Surinam Cherry, Pitanga
Latin Name: Eugenia uniflora
Family: Myrtaceae
Zone: 10
Tropical shrub from Surinam (N. South America) grows 10-15 feet tall, blooms spring and fall, fruiting only a month after blooming. Fruit is scarlet red and best when so ripe it almost falls into the picker's hand. Children enjoy picking and eating the sweet, slightly acidic flesh, but the seeds should not be eaten.

Common Name: Euphorbia decaryi
Latin Name: Euphorbia decaryi
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Endemic to Madagascar. Desert tropicals that prefer shade to part shade. Distinctive horizontal growth habit makes these rare Euphorbs unique. 6 inch height, blooms April to June. Flowers range from chartruese to yellow or red.





Also, larger leaf species Euphorbia decaryi decaryi.


Common Name: Jamaican Poinsettia
Latin Name: Euphorbia punicea
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Rare! Succulent shrub with red bracts that resemble poinsettia.

Common Name: Euphorbia milli 'Fireworks'
Latin Name: Euphorbia milli
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Variegated version of "Crown of Thorns". Rare to find!

Common Name: Perfume tree
Latin Name: Fagraea ceilanica
Family: Gentianaceae
Zone: 8-10
Fragrant creamy white flowers on a small tree or compact bush, can be grown inside.

Farfugium japonicum 'Gigantea'
Common Name: - Giant Leopard Plant, Giant Ligularia
Latin Name: Farfugium japonicum 'Gigantea'
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 6-10
Previously known as Ligularia tussilaginea 'Gigantea', Giant Ligularia is a cold hardy perennial withstanding nearly 0 degrees yet it adds a distinctively 'tropical' look to any garden with its giant shiny dark green leaves up to 18 inches across! Ligularias require ample water in fact it can be grown in a pot sitting in a saucer of water or in wet bog garden conditions. Flowers in summer until fall with 4 foot spikes sporting yellow daisy like flowers. A must have for the collector of unusual plants.

Common Name: Spotted Leopard Plant
Latin Name: Farfugium japonicum 'Aureo-maculata'
Synonym: Ligularia tussilaginea
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 6-10
Easy to grow, needs shade and moisture, has daisy like clusters of flowers in the fall. This plant is grown for its large showy foliage.

Common Name:
Latin Name: Ficus afghanistanica
Family: Moraceae
Hardiness: USDA Zone 8-11
Rare Drought tolerant fig tree, very hardy.

Common Name: Roxburgh Fig - Elephant Ear Fig
Latin Name: Ficus auriculata(roxburghii)
Family: Moraceae
Zone: 10

A giant leaf fig tree native to Asia and has leaves up to 15 inches across! It is an evergreen tree growing to about 15-20 feet tall and is hardy to around 30 degrees f. Grow in full sun and protect from strong winds.

It's interesting that Roxburgh's fig blooms on spurs that extend from the trunk and main branches - a trait known as cauliflory. The figs are not considered edible by humans but the leaves are used as cattle fodder in tropical locations.


Ficus Religiosa - Bodhi Tree
Common Name: Bo Tree, Bodhi Tree, Sacred Fig
Latin Name: Ficus religiosa
Family: Moraceae
Zone: 9b+
The Bodhi Tree is of great significance in the history of Buddhism and is the tree Buddha sat under when he arrived at Bodhi. Leaves are beautifully elongated at the tip, an adaptation of nature to quickly shed rainwater in the rainforest. Our Bo Trees have been in the ground at our nursery for 7 years now. One of the hardier and more beautiful Ficus trees available.

Ficus salicifolia 'willow-leaf' Fig
Common Name: Willow-Leaf Fig
Latin Name: Ficus salicifolia 'willow-leaf'
Family: Moraceae
Zone: 9b up
Cultivar of a South African Ficus, Willow-leaf Fig is often used as in bonsai culture. It is a small compact 'tree' to 15 ft with aerial roots and multiple trunks. Excellent for container growing, this dwarf tropical Ficus can add a touch of the tropics to your patio. Enjoys some shade and moist soil. Figs are about 1/4 inch in diameter, red with dark spots. New leaves are bronze and twisted then straighten out and turn green as they mature. Has been sold as Ficus neriifolia regularis in the past but use of this name has now diminished. Protect from frost and freezing.

Common Name: Tahitian Gardenia, Tiare
Latin Name: Gardenia taitengensis
Family: Rubiaceae
Zone: 10
Tropical, growth habit is like Plumeria. Likes warmth and sun. Beautiful fragrant white flowers all summer. Flowers are used to make a perfume called Tiare. Rare to find!

Gardenia taitengensis double form: fragrant 6 to 8 petalled tubular double flowers and broad glossy green foliage

Gardenia volkensii subsp. spatulifolia
Common Name: Bushveld Gardenia
Latin Name: Gardenia volkensii subsp. spatulifolia
Family: Rubiaceae
Zone: 10
This beautiful African Gardenia is similar to the Tahitian Gardenia but a bit more vigorous and easier to grow. Flowers are white the first day open, changing to a pale yellow on the second day.

Common Name: Bolivian Sunset Gloxinia
Latin Name: Gloxinia sylvatica 'Bolivian Sunset'
Family: Gesneriaceae
Origin: South American Andes Mountains
Hardiness: USDA Zone 9-11
Brilliant flourescent red-orange flowers in cool weather months. Likes moist well drained organic soil, short days, and cooler weather. Butterfly and hummingbird attractor. Plants may die back or go dormant during warm weather months but will spring to life in the fall.

Common Name: Snapdragon Tree, Parrot's Beak
Latin Name: Gmelina philippensis
Family: Verbenaceae
Zone: 10
Medium size round shrub to 10 feet with racemes up to 10 inches long displaying yellow blossoms. Native to India grows in full sun to partial shade.

Common Name: Gomphrena "Grapes"
Latin Name: Gomphrena
Family: Amaranthaceae
Very hardy rarely seen perennial type Bachelor Button. Tiny leaves has red/orange fall color. Small purple cluster-like button blooms look like "grapes". Fall blooming 'til frost. Can take full sun to high shade. Grows 3 feet and has a lovely mounding growth habit. Also great cut flower material. This plant has been in my gardens for more than 15 years.

Common Name: Bell Orchid
Latin Name: Grammatophyllum scriptum var. citrinum
Family: Orchidaceae
Zone: 10

Large strap leaf foliage with huge chartruese yellow spikes that can reach 2ft long, if not longer. Interesting aerial root system adds a real tropical look to this largest orchid in the world.

Blooms for several months; flowers are long lasting and the plants are easy to grow in our humid hot Gulf Coast climate. Do protect from freezing in winter. To rebloom plants next year, keep in very bright light and hot daytime temps.


Grevillea robusta
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Common Name: Silk Oak Tree
Latin Name: Grevillea robusta
Family: Proteaceae
Zone: 9b-11
Fast growing large tree from Australia with beautiful palm like leaves to 1 foot long. Blooms with yellow-orange flowers in late spring. The tree is resistant to deer browsing. Plant in full sun to partial shade.

Grevillea Kings Celebration
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Common Name: King's Celebration
Latin Name: Grevillea 'King's Celebration'
Family: Proteaceae
Zone: 9-11
Grevillea fastigiata x Grevillea 'Kay Williams'
red flowers all year on a 4 to 6 foot shrub. Full sun to partial shade.

Grevillea Kings Fire
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Common Name: King's Fire, Scarlet Moon
Latin Name: Grevillea 'King's Fire'
Family: Proteaceae
Zone: 8-11
Grevillea nivea x Grevillea 'Crowning Glory'
Orange red flowers all year on a 4 to 6 foot shrub. Full sun.

Grevillea Superb
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Common Name: Grevillea Superb
Latin Name: Grevillea 'Superb'
Family: Proteaceae
Zone: 8-11
G. banksii x G. bipinnatifida
Full sun to partial shade, drought tolerant, 3 to 5 foot, thin leaf shrub, attracts birds and bees, blooms all year in warm climates.


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