Outrageous color, dinner-plate sized blooms and floral perfection are just some of the words used to describe these large tropical Hibiscus. We are fortunate to have many wonderful hibiscus in our collection, and nothing delights us more than watching people’s faces light up when they witness the beauty of these flowers. Some of our favorites are below:

Hibiscus ‘Black Dragon’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Hibiscus ‘Black Dragon’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

‘Black Dragon’s outstanding burgundy flower reaches 8” across and has an eye-catching black center. It was named Hibiscus of the Year in 2005 by the American Hibiscus Society. The bush is a slow grower and once it reaches 18” tall, it starts to grow laterally. However, the spectacular blooms more than offset its growth habit.

Hibiscus ‘Voila’ p.p. (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Hibiscus ‘Voila’ p.p. (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Hibiscus ‘Voila’ is a Cajun Hibiscus with knock-your-socks-off color. This prolific bloomer has 6” flowers and boast lavender and magenta petals with vibrant yellow, frilly edges. Blooms last up to 2 days.

Hibiscus ‘Kona’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Hibiscus ‘Kona’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Another impressive hybrid is a fully double hibiscus called Hibiscus ‘Kona’. Large rich pink, fully double blossoms resembling puffy crepe-paper adorn this vigorous grower. When grown in full sun, this fast-growing, free-blooming plant will amaze you with its beauty and heavy flowering. ‘Kona’ makes a beautiful potted plant.

Hibiscus ‘Chad’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Hibiscus ‘Chad’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

The outrageous colored blooms of Hibiscus ‘Chad’ are orange-red streaked and splashed in yellow and will light up any sunlit growing space. The 4″ flowers, although smaller than our other varieties, make even a bigger statement as multiple blooms appear on the growing tips. An upright grower, it branches freely making this hybrid a prime candidate for container culture.

Hibiscus ‘Midnight Tryst’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Hibiscus ‘Midnight Tryst’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

When it comes to coloring, Hibiscus ‘Midnight Tryst’ is unique with its contrasting color combination. The bright pink starburst heart radiates through rich purple and gray tones, into the smooth, bright pink petal edges. By the second day of blooming, the flower color fades a bit, but there is usually another bud right behind it waiting to open.

Tips for Growing Flowering Hibiscus

Hibiscus need full sun with plenty of water and fertilizer to maximize their blooming potential. They are wonderful additions to a summer garden. Hibiscus can be kept in a pot or planted directly into the ground. We find that living in the north, simply digging a hole and dropping the pot into the hole for stability makes it easier for end of the summer care, when you move your plants back inside. If you are in a tropical area then it makes sense to plant hibiscus directly into the ground.

Flower color can vary depending on cultural issues like full or partial sun, if it’s a first or second day flower (colors sometimes change on the second day or become more muted), or even if the plant is young or mature. These color changes are normal and add to the delight of growing tropical hibiscus.

We hope you’ll enjoy planting some of these spectacular flowering hibiscus in your summer garden this year. You can learn more about the hibiscus plants mentioned in this article below:

• Hibiscus ‘Black Dragon’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)
• Hibiscus ‘Voila’ p.p. (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)
• Hibiscus ‘Kona’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)
• Hibiscus ‘Chad’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)
• Hibiscus ‘Midnight Tryst’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

The post Five Spectacular Flowering Hibiscus for Your Summer Garden appeared first on Logee's.

Planting hardy fruits and perennials outdoors is one of the great joys of springtime gardening. Many of these plants will grow, bloom and fruit in a matter of months so it’s a miraculous event to witness. We have chosen some favorite hardy plants for their color, fragrance and fruit. The ‘Grand Cascade’ Butterfly bush is one of my favorites.

Buddleia ‘Grand Cascade’ p.p. (Buddleia hybrid)

Buddleia ‘Grand Cascade’ p.p. (Buddleia hybrid)

Huge lavender flower panicles measure 12-14” long and look like a series of cascading wands to attract pollinators. It’s quite a site when dozens of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds work the honey-scented blossoms of these nectar-filled treats. ‘Grand Cascade’ flowers in late summer to early fall and dies back to the ground in colder zones during the winter months. However, as soon as next year’s growth begins, ‘Grand Cascade’ fills out and starts flowering again.

Maypop Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)

Maypop Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)

I’ve grown Maypop in my garden for many years along a south-facing stonewall. The 3” flowers put on a show all summer long, with their creamy pink petals and fully banded corollas. Every day I walk by to find a new bloom and inhale the sweet fragrance of Maypop Passionflower. By the end of the summer, I am rewarded with the succulent fruit that forms on the vines.

Paw Paw ‘Susquehanna’ and ‘Prolific’ (Asminia triloba)

Paw Paw ‘Susquehanna’ and ‘Prolific’ (Asminia triloba)

Paw Paws are native to North America and they are some of the easiest hardy fruiting trees to grow. Purple flowers bloom in springtime and the green fruit ripens to golden yellow by early fall. The large, flavorful fruit has a flavor similar to banana custard and can be stored in a refrigerator for several weeks. You must plant two different varieties for cross-pollination. Paw Paws are not susceptible to insects and diseases and therefore they make easy-care fruiting trees. Expect fruit 2-3 years after planting and fruit yields usually exceed 30 pounds per tree.

Rose ‘Ringo’ p.p. (Rosa hybrid)

Rose ‘Ringo’ p.p. (Rosa hybrid)

Two more favorite hardy flowering plants are the Rose ‘Ringo’ and Allium ‘Millenium.’ Both are easy growers and do best in full sun. Rose ‘Ringo’ p.p. (Rosa Hybrid) flowers delight the onlooker with a kaleidoscope of color since they open bright yellow with red centers and as the blooms age, they become lighter yellow and finally white with pink centers. ‘Ringo’ blooms from summer to fall, and no deadheading is required.

Allium ‘Millenium’ (Allium hybrid)

Allium ‘Millenium’ (Allium hybrid)

Allium ‘Millenium’ (Allium hybrid) has garnished a lot of attention for its fragrant 2” rose-purple flowers that bloom in profusion during June, July and August. Individual flowers last up to a month and stand tall on its aromatic foliage. Allium also makes a great pollinator plant for butterflies and bees. No wonder it was the 2018 Perennial Plant of the Year winner. Allium is a great addition to a cut flower arrangement, or the flowers can be dried and preserved.

We hope you’ll enjoy planting some hardy fruits and perennials in your garden this year and these plants will reward you with beauty and bountiful harvests for years to come. You can learn more below about the hardy fruits and perennials mentioned in this article:

• Buddleia ‘Grand Cascade’ p.p. (Buddleia hybrid)
• Maypop Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)
  
• Paw Paw ‘Susquehanna’ and ‘Prolific’ (Asminia triloba)
• Rose ‘Ringo’ p.p. (Rosa hybrid)
• Allium ‘Millenium’ (Allium hybrid)

The post Five Hardy Fruiting Plants and Perennials for Your Outdoor Garden appeared first on Logee's.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I feel kind of down or blue, I look to plants to bring me out of the doldrums. Plants have a way of bringing us into the present moment, letting us appreciate the here and now with the beauty that is right in front of us. The miracle of plants is how each one has a different form and shines forth with colorful flowers or foliage. I hope looking at these five colorful plants will give you a bit of solace and cheer, and lift your spirits as we move through these difficult times.

Abutilon ‘Little Sunshine’

Abutilon ‘Little Sunshine’

My first selection is Abutilon ‘Little Sunshine’ (Abutilon hybrid). The name says it all. This Abutilon, or Flowering Maple as it’s commonly called, is an everbloomer and makes a great windowsill plant. Its multi-branched, compact size and non-stop show of sunshine yellow flowers puts a smile on the face of anyone who passes by. We like using ‘Little Sunshine’ in mixed containers to bring a dash of color since this low-growing plant only reaches 1-2’ tall. The inner flower petal blushes with a bit of orange given full sun conditions.

Hibiscus ‘Cooperii’

Hibiscus ‘Cooperii’

The next plant, Hibiscus ‘Cooperii’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cooperii) is grown for its stunning variegated foliage and brilliant red flowers. It can be grown indoors or out and makes a showpiece with its colorful leaves in shades of burgundy red, pink, white and green. Grow in full sun for maximum color intensity.

Begonia ‘Wightii’

Begonia ‘Wightii’

Another plant that brings us cheer is our fancy Angel Wing Begonia ‘Wightii’ (Begonia maculata variegata). Large, dramatic silver markings dotted on its leaves appear to have been perfectly placed by an artist. Plus, with its pristine white flowers, ‘Wightii’ makes a stunning upright potted plant for a partially sunny windowsill or it can be grown in a hanging basket where it is truly a wonder to behold. Grow in partial sun and give moderate fertilizer to this vigorous grower.

Easter Cactus ‘Scorpius’

Easter Cactus ‘Scorpius’

If you’ve never grown an Easter Cactus, we recommend this brilliant red one, Easter Cactus ‘Scorpius’ (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri), to bring cheer to your surroundings. It blooms profusely from March until May and the iridescent, star-shaped flowers open every morning and close at night. They prefer filtered light and well-drained soil. These plants are budded and blooming now.

Crown of Thorns ‘Pink Princess’

Crown of Thorns ‘Pink Princess’

My list wouldn’t be complete without some splendid pink flowers. Crown of Thorns ‘Pink Princess’ (Euphorbia milii hybrid) is an easy-care plant that tolerates soil dryness and has spectacular cotton-candy pink flowers that emerge as white with pink speckling and age to a beautiful pink with white highlights. The blossoms grow in clusters with individual flowers measuring 1-2” across. It blooms profusely during spring and summer when grown in full sun.

I hope these plants will delight your senses and add a dimension of peace and solace in the coming months as we all navigate these unique times together. Stay safe and well.

The plants mentioned in this article:

• Abutilon ‘Little Sunshine’
• Hibiscus ‘Cooperii’
• Begonia ‘Wightii’
• Easter Cactus ‘Scorpius’
• Crown of Thorns ‘Pink Princess’

The post Five Colorful Plants to Lift Your Spirits appeared first on Logee's.

The plant boom is on and a resurgence of gardeners of all ages is gaining momentum. Plants give us a chance to unplug from our devices and the harried pace of our world. Below I will share with you five of our favorite indoor plants that are trending as popular right now.

Albuca ‘Frizzle Sizzle’ (Albuca spiralis)

Also known as Corkscrew Albuca because of its curly leaves, this unusual plant brings a whimsical form into your windowsill garden. The thickly curled leaves arise out of a bulb and in springtime will bloom with fragrant yellow flowers that give off a light vanilla scent. Ten or twenty blooms may appear per spike. However, to keep the corkscrew appearance, the flowers must be cut off early on, otherwise all the energy goes into the flowers and the leaves will lose their curl. Grow in full sun and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. ‘Frizzle Sizzle’ is distinctive and eye-catching and makes an ideal home garden plant.

Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)

Tea has been popular through the ages and black tea is still a popular beverage but also gaining momentum are green and white teas. Depending on how you dry and cure the leaves you’ll get black, green or white tea. It is the young shoots of this famous plant that are harvested for tea leaves. White tea is considered a delicacy, since the leaves are harvested before they are fully open when they are still covered by fine white hairs. White tea is also minimally processed so it has a delicate flavor when compared to black or green tea. Camellia sinensis is hardy in the southern United States but is perfect as a potted plant when grown in a cool spot indoors during the winter. As a potted plant, Tea can reach up to 3-5’ tall.

String of Dolphins Senecio (Senecio peregrinus)

Cascading stems of plump leaves that resemble dolphins jumping out of the water or swimming over the pots edge make String of Dolphin Senecio a popular plant that enlivens any indoor growing space. This rare succulent is native to Bolivia and Argentina, and it’s considered to be an easy grower. Simply give a balanced fertilizer once a month during the active growing season and grow in partial sun or bright, indirect light. Small white cinnamon scented flowers appear intermittently.

Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata)

Known for its intense orange-blossom fragrance, this compact plant has waxy white flowers that are extremely free-flowering. We love growing Orange Jasmine on a windowsill or other limited space area because it is nearly always in bloom and emits a delightfully sweet scent throughout the year.

Mini Monstera (Monstera minima)

Monstera, or the Swiss Cheese plant, has been a mainstay in tropical horticulture for years and now we are lucky enough to have Mini Monstera that is ideal for the indoor garden. Monstera minima is a slow-growing vine with deeply cut splits in the leaves that alternate on both sides of the stem. Grow in well-drained, fertile soil and provide a trellis or moss pole for the vine to climb. Mini Monstera makes an ideal low light plant because it prefers bright, indirect light with no hot noonday sun.

Growing trendy plants in your indoor space delights gardeners and non-gardeners alike. These five plants nearly guarantee your indoor gardening success. You can learn more about the trendy indoor plants mentioned in this article below. Before you go, please be sure to request your free Logee’s catalog here.

• Albuca ‘Frizzle Sizzle’ (Albuca spiralis)
• Tea (Camellia sinensis)
• String of Dolphins Senecio (Senecio peregrinus)
• Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata)
• Mini Monstera (Monstera minima)

The post Five Trendy Plants for Your Indoor Garden appeared first on Logee's.

Some plants have inviting and intoxicating scents that can transport us out of our ordinary everyday routine to a place of delightful bliss. The olfactory senses are linked to memory, and these unusual flowers add to the sweet memories of life – just in time for Valentine’s Day…

Angel’s Trumpet ‘Angel’s Pink Profusion’

Angel’s Trumpet ‘Angel’s Pink Profusion’ (Brugmansia hybrid)

Some of my favorite plant fragrances come from the Brugmansias or Angel’s Trumpets. Our newest hybrid, Brugmansia ‘Angel’s Pink Profusion’ is heavily laden with pink trumpets that give off an intoxicating nighttime fragrance. The flowers are 9” long and 6” wide and are not only magnificent to look at but give off an inviting scent. Blooming from spring through fall, ‘Angel’s Pink Profusion’ makes a wonderful potted plant as a focal point in a garden or patio or can be used as a hanging basket in a sunny spot.

Banana Shrub (Michelia figo)

Banana Shrub (Michelia figo)

If you are looking for an unusual floral fragrance, then the Banana Shrub (Michelia figo) is a must. A member of the Chinese magnolia family, the creamy yellow flowers have a purple blush and give off a banana-like fragrance when the sun shines directly on the flower. It blooms year-round but most heavily during late winter into early spring.

When talking about fragrant flowers, gardenias and jasmines always come to mind. Some favorites in these categories are Butterfly Gardenia (Tabernaemontana coronaria plena) and Azores Jasmine (Jasminum azoricum). Each of these carries a unique fragrance:

Butterfly Gardenia (Tabernaemontana coronaria plena)

Butterfly Gardenia (Tabernaemontana coronaria plena)

Butterfly Gardenia, although not a true gardenia, is in the genera Tabernaemontana and is actually easier to grow than the true gardenia. It makes a wonderful windowsill plant with its compact growth habit. The double, white, fragrant flowers appear on new growth from spring to fall and carry a light scent by day and after dark, their fragrance intensifies. Another plus is that Butterfly Gardenia has a strong root system and can tolerate low light and cool temperatures.

Azores Jasmine (Jasminum azoricum)

Azores Jasmine (Jasminum azoricum)

Azores Jasmine’s is a native of the Azores, and this vigorous vine blooms from spring to fall. Clusters of pure white, multi-petaled flowers emerge from the growing tips over several weeks and they emit a tantalizing scent. Grow in full sun in warm temperatures to mimic its native habitat on the islands.

Panama Rose (Rondeletia leucophylla)

Panama Rose (Rondeletia leucophylla)

Panama Rose (Rondeletia leucophylla) is another favorite for its clusters of rose-red, fragrant flowers. Wonderfully sweet and colorful during the winter months, it blooms all the way into June. When grown outside, Panama Rose attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The fragrance of Panama Rose intensifies after dark and gives off a delightful sweet smell. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil.

These five fragrant plants can be grown inside during the cooler months and moved outside during the warm summer months. Wherever you grow them, be sure to find a spot where you can enjoy their delightful fragrance day and night and create new memories of the sweetest scents nature has to offer. You can learn more below about these fragrant plants below:

• Angel’s Trumpet ‘Angel’s Pink Profusion’ (Brugmansia hybrid)
• Banana Shrub (Michelia figo)
• Butterfly Gardenia (Tabernaemontana coronaria plena)
• Azores Jasmine (Jasminum azoricum)
• Panama Rose (Rondeletia leucophylla)

The post Five Fragrant Plants Your Sweetheart Will Love! appeared first on Logee's.

Here’s a sneak preview of some of the new plants we are releasing in Early Spring 2020. We search the world for rare plants that are exciting to our customers due to their leaf coloring, fragrance or popularity. Because of the nature of new and unusual, these plants are usually in limited supply and are often in high demand, so we recommend that you order early. We hope you’ll get you as excited as we are about these new introductions.

Variegated Arrowhead Vine

Variegated Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum albo-variegatum)

Variegated Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum albo-variegatum) has surged in popularity for its beautifully marbled leaves. It’s a desirable aroid with arrow-shaped, green and white leaves, and a lovely pink hue on the stems. Grow in partial sunlight or bright indirect light. Plants with variegated leaves are trendy now, and this plant is in high demand. Order early since our supply is limited.

Giant Wax Plant

Giant Wax Plant (Hoya lauterbachii)

Hoyas are one of the best easy-to-grow houseplants. Giant Wax Plant (Hoya lauterbachii) is a re-introduction to our catalog since our stock has been limited for a couple of years. It boasts huge fragrant flowers that grow in a cluster the size of a soccer ball. The reddish-coppery flowers have cream-colored centers and a delicious, chocolate candy scent. This rare hoya needs to be grown on a large trellis, in warm temperatures with some direct sunlight.

Primulina tabacum

Primulina tabacum (Primulina species)

Primulina tabacum (Primulina species) has sprays of lavender blooms that flower for us from spring to fall. The flowers are held close to the foliage creating a compact growth habit. The blossoms have a light fragrance and the foliage, when crushed, emits a tobacco scent. This low-light plant is well suited for the home environment.

Radermachera ‘Purple’

Radermachera ‘Purple’ (Radermachera gigantea)

Radermachera ‘Purple’ (Radermachera gigantea) has clusters of 2” open-faced blossoms with soft pink petals and orange throats, and it puts on a delightful show during the summer flowering season. For optimum flowering, grow in direct sunlight. It also makes an attractive foliage plant when not in bloom.

Philodendron ‘Moonlight’

Philodendron ‘Moonlight’ (Philodendron hybrid)

Philodendrons are stellar performers in medium-to-low light areas of your home. Philodendron ‘Moonlight’ is a clump-forming, or non-vining, philodendron whose leaves emerge bright yellow to chartreuse green. As the leaves mature, they change to medium green. This new philodendron makes a colorful addition to your houseplant collection.

At Logee’s, we are seeing a resurgence in popularity for indoor house plants. Many of these plants are easy-to grow on a bright windowsill where they add color and life to our homes and give us a connection to the natural world. Look for the Logee’s Early Spring catalog in your mailbox (request your free Logee’s catalog here). You can learn more below about these exciting new plant introductions for 2020:

• Variegated Arrowhead Vine
• Giant Wax Plant
• Primulina tabacum
• Radermachera ‘Purple’
• Philodendron ‘Moonlight’

The post New Introductions for Early Spring 2020 appeared first on Logee's.

The holidays can get overwhelming with gift giving, and trying to find just the right present for the special people in your life. If you fall back on your love for plants, and share that with your friends and family, then gift giving is easy. Here are some fun and unusual gift choices from Logee’s to help make shopping easier this holiday season…

Crown of Thorns ‘Peppermint Candy’

Crown of Thorns ‘Peppermint Candy’ (Euphorbia milii)

In the spirit of the holidays, Crown of Thorns ‘Peppermint Candy’ (Euphorbia milii) is visually appealing and conjures up the familiar holiday taste of peppermint. It has beautiful white and green leaf variegation and bright red flowers that bloom non-stop on any sunny windowsill. It’s a good choice for beginning gardeners since Crown of Thorns has the ability to tolerate dryness and neglect. Variegated euphorbias tend to be slow growers, which lends itself nicely to limited space. Only water when the soil is visually dry and give full sun for best results.

Perpetual Vanilla

Perpetual Vanilla

Our next unusual gift is Perpetual Vanilla that represents the newly coined phrase “farm to table.” The bakers in your life will love this old-fashioned way of making vanilla extract. The 5 oz. bottle is packed with three Madagascar vanilla beans and easy to follow instructions. Split the beans open to expose the flavor, fill the bottle with vodka and wait 4 weeks. This gift keeps giving because when you use the extract, you simply refill the bottle with vodka. Perpetual Vanilla lasts 3 years. Hopefully, your baker will keep giving you goodies from their homemade vanilla infused recipes. At least that’s been my experience. Each bottle is beautifully hand dipped in beeswax and tied with raffia.

Chinese Money Plant

Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

Another gift worth considering is the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides), famous for its lore of attracting money into one’s life. Its ability to grow under low light makes this desirable for the beginning gardener and its dwarf size adds to its charm for windowsill culture. The round, shiny leaves become mounded as the plant matures and give the appearance of large, green coins stacked on top of one another. When grown under cooler growing conditions, it will produce flowers in the wintertime, although, as with most pileas, the flowers are somewhat insignificant.

Staghorn Fern Basket

Staghorn Fern Basket (Platycerium bifurcatum)

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is one of the most beloved epiphytes, well known for its unusual antler-shaped leaves. The gracefully arching antler fronds grow upward from the base of the plant while the round shield fronds protect the root ball. We’ve planted this Staghorn Fern in an attractive cedar basket that creates a beautiful showpiece in your home.

Logee’s Gift Certificates

Logee’s Gift Certificate

Last, but certainly not least, is a gift certificate from Logee’s Greenhouses. Available in a wide range of values, your gift certificate will be emailed to the recipient’s email address, and can be redeemed either in our online plant store at Logees.com, or at our Danielson, CT retail location. This is the perfect gift idea for the plant-loving people in your life!

Thank you for visiting. We’re certain these gifts will delight the gardeners (or cooks) on your holiday gift list. Before you go, be sure to request your free Logee’s catalog. You can learn more below about the holiday gift ideas mentioned in this article. Happy Holidays from Logee’s!

• Crown of Thorns ‘Peppermint Candy’
• Perpetual Vanilla
• Chinese Money Plant
• Staghorn Fern Basket
• Logee’s Gift Certificates

The post Five FUNtastic Gift Ideas from Logee’s! appeared first on Logee's.

The end of October ushers in Halloween, and all kinds of spooky things come to mind – from witches and skeletons to bats and mummies. At Logee’s, we have rare and unusual plants to accompany these frightful images, as well as a few that can bring the “trick or treat” theme to life this season. Dare to take a look for yourself and see what you think…

Blue Witches Hat

Blue Witches Hat (Pycnostachys urticifolia)

Blue Witches Hat (Pycnostachys urticifolia) is a plant whose cobalt-blue flowers open from the bottom upward and give the appearance of witches’ hats with wide brims growing on the branching tips of this South African shrub. The large, 4” flowers bloom from fall to spring and it’s a reliable bloomer the first year. The green, glossy, heart-shaped foliage gives a pleasing look to this remarkable plant.

Cholla Tillandsia Set

Cholla Tillandsia Set

We think of skeletons when we look at Cholla Tillandsia. The cholla is the dried interior of a cactus with holes that resemble a wooden skeleton. It makes a wonderful Halloween decoration with the colorful crown of the red Abdita Tillandsia growing on top of the decorative green moss. To keep the tillandsia healthy, mist once or twice a week.

Black Bat Flower

Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)

Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) blooms around Halloween and the unusual black flowers look like giant bats with long cat whiskers that are suspended in mid-air above the broad, shiny leaves. Black Bat Flower is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Grow in partial sun or filtered light as these are understory plants and do not like direct sunlight much like bats themselves. Be sure to grow in a well-aerated soil mix and a clay pot to keep the roots healthy.

Resurrection Fern

Resurrection Fern (Selaginella lepidophylla)

The Resurrection Fern (Selaginella lepidophylla) is a plant that comes back from the dead like mummies. If forgotten about, it shrivels up, turns brown in color and looks dead but as soon as it is given water, it sprouts back to life within a couple of hours and becomes a living green fern. Native from Texas to El Salvador, the Resurrection Fern is a fascinating natural wonder and can be kept in its brown, dormant state for years. If kept watered, it continues to grow and can become a large specimen. This fern is a great introduction to the wonder of plants and nature for our youngest gardeners.

Living Stones

Living Stones (Lithops species)

Living Stones (Lithops species) is another plant that tricks the gardener. When viewed, it looks like pebbles sitting in a pot, but upon closer inspection you can see that they are living plants with fleshy, colorful tops. The trick to keeping Living Stones looking like pebbles is to make sure these South African natives have plenty of sunshine and limit the water to once or twice a month. This easy-to-grow plant is perfect for the beginning gardener.

The plant kingdom may have played a bigger role in the trick or treat season of Halloween with its sometimes bizarre, yet beautiful, plants that it has to offer. Thank you for visiting. If you’re not too spooked, be sure to request your free Logee’s catalog. You can learn more about the rare plants mentioned in this article below. Happy Halloween!

• Blue Witches Hat (Pycnostachys urticifolia)
• Cholla Tillandsia Set
• Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
• Resurrection Fern (Selaginella lepidophylla)
• Living Stones (Lithops species)

The post From Black Bats to Witches Hats – Spooky Plants for Halloween! appeared first on Logee's.

Rare plants are our primary focus here at Logee’s Plants for Home & Garden. For over 125 years, Logee’s growers have spent their time researching, procuring and, if all goes well, production growing the most interesting, unusual, yet easy-to-grow rare plants. In our Holiday catalog this year, we have some outstanding crowd favorites that are rare, beautiful, sought-after and most importantly, simple to care for. Here’s a sneak peek…

Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’

Begonia ‘Wightii’ (Begonia maculata variegata)

Let’s start off with this one. I don’t believe a more popular begonia exists right now. The rise of this polka dotted, Angel Wing begonia has been fascinating to watch. The foliage boasts long, deep green leaves with crimson backsides and shimmering, semi-translucent silver polka dots showering each leaf. White flowers appear on mature plants and it is here that we have recently been able to procure the secret to our prolific numbers.

While in flower, our begonia grower tries to pollinate as many flowers as possible and in time the dried seed pods are harvested. Eventually we are able to raise hundreds of seedlings this way. It’s not fast or easy but we have yielded great results with the seed grown stock. It’s easy to see why so many have taken a liking to this striking plant and we are thrilled to finally have sufficient quantity to get this popular begonia into a catalog. Medium sun, humidity and a thorough dryness before watering are the keys to a happy Begonia maculata ‘Wightii.’

Black Gold Philodendron

Black Gold Philodendron (Philodendron melanochrysum)

I’ve known that philodendrons have been on the rise in the houseplant market, but I could never have predicted the sheer speed at which we sold our last batch of Black Golds. Philodendron melanochrysum is certainly one of the top 5 plants that I get asked for on Instagram, and it’s easy to see why. The heart shaped juvenile leaves range in color from pale pink, light orange, green and even bronze and eventually mature to a deep, almost black green.

What sets this variety apart from the other dark, velvety philodendrons is the potential size of the leaves, particularly the length. Mature specimens grown in ideal conditions can grow leaves up to 2’ long and look simply stunning. We’ve been working to get our numbers up for the past 2-3 years and we are so excited to offer a new 5” pot size with plants that are already at least 12”-16” tall. Black Gold Philodendrons need bright indirect sun, a tall support and high humidity to reach their full potential size.

Monstera Minima

Mini Monstera (Monstera minima)

An extremely exciting addition to our lineup, Monstera Minima is a smaller and bushier version of the popular Monstera deliciosa. There is much debate on whether this plant is a true Monstera or a Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. Either way, it is a great grower and a really interesting and adorable plant to have in a collection.

Monstera Minima loves to have a moss pole or wall for the roots to plate to so it can climb up. The 5-6” leaves are bright green and deeply fenestrated. These plants appreciate bright, diffused light, a well-drained potting mixture and a decent amount of watering, or the leaves will wilt when the plant is thirsty. These 6” pots of Monstera Minima are already quite large so they will make beautiful houseplants.

Crown of Thorns ‘Peppermint Candy’

Crown of Thorns ‘Peppermint Candy’ (Euphorbia milii)

Variegated foliage is certainly having a moment right now and now you can add ‘Peppermint Candy’ to the much-wanted list. Beautiful foliage splashed with white and green joins bright red, everblooming flowers for a lovely, easy-to-grow plant. It has a slower and more compact growth habit and is quite easy to care for. ‘Peppermint Candy’ loves plenty of direct sunlight and likes to get completely dry between waterings. This rare plant is seldom offered in the trade so rare plant collectors take notice!

Miniature Desert Rose

Miniature Desert Rose (Trichodiadema densum)

Caudiciform plants such as Miniature Desert Rose have risen steadily in popularity. It’s easy to see why so many are drawn to the unique and somewhat odd-looking, swollen trunks. This rugged little plant is great for a sunny windowsill and is perfectly fine with some neglect. It can survive long periods of dryness as moisture is stored in the caudex. When repotting, place the plant about 1/4” higher than the soil level to slowly reveal more of the swollen roots and in time you will have a nice little bonsai tree.

Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’

Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ p.p. (Philodendron hybrid)

These plants look simply amazing. An extremely bright and colorful foliage plant, Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is the perfect addition to your fall and winter houseplant collection. It is a non-vining philodendron so it grows a bit slower and maintains a more bush-like form. New leaves unfurl a striking bright orange and very slowly mature to a light green. However, the stems remain red.

Both 4″ and 6″ pot sizes of these plants are big and full and are so hard to resist. Keep ‘Prince of Orange’ in bright filtered light, high humidity and well-drained soil and let it get mostly dry before watering. Philodendrons are some of the easiest and most rewarding houseplants and I highly recommend this variety.

I hope you’ve enjoyed a sneak peek at a few of our exciting rare and unusual plants from this year’s Holiday catalog. Speaking of catalogs, before you go, please be sure to request your free Logee’s catalog. You can learn more about the rare plants mentioned in this article below:

• Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’
• Black Gold Philodendron
• Monstera Minima
• Crown of Thorns ‘Peppermint Candy’
• Miniature Desert Rose
• Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’

The post Here’s a Sneak Peek at the Rare & Unusual Plants in Our Holiday 2019 Catalog! appeared first on Logee's.

Outrageous color, dinner-plate sized blooms, floral perfection are just some of the words used to describe large tropical hibiscus. We are fortunate to have many wonderful hibiscus in our collection and nothing delights us more than watching people’s faces light up when they witness the beauty of these flowers.

Tropical hibiscus originate in Asia and the Pacific Islands. Hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and the state flower of Hawaii. This famous flower is seen in fabric patterns, pictures and other marketing material for its native homeland. Gardeners love hibiscus so much that intense cross breeding with the rosa sinensis species has taken place for decades and produced some unbelievable hybrids with huge, multi-colored blooms. Here are five colorful favorites that I know you will enjoy…

Hibiscus ‘The Path’

Hibiscus ‘The Path’ (Hibiscus sinensis)

The most photographed hibiscus in our collection that consistently produces blooms year-round is Hibiscus ‘The Path.’ This everblooming hybrid has brilliant yellow-edged flowers with a rich orange to fuchsia to pink center. Its upright growth habit is perfect to display its prolific blooms. The slightly serrated green shiny foliage adds to its majestic nature. We’ve seen three to four blooms open at once, and the photo, although spectacular, pales in comparison to when you see the flowers in person.

Hibiscus ‘Voodoo Queen’

Hibiscus ‘Voodoo Queen’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Hibiscus ‘Voodoo Queen,’ like the name implies, has magic is afoot. ‘Voodoo Queen’ changes flower color in a single day. In the morning, the bloom opens with pink petals and violet centers and a burgundy heart and by the afternoon the color changes to yellow petals with a gray-lavender center and strawberry heart. Hibiscus grow best in full sun and plenty of water and fertilizer. If they are only given partial sun, the intensity of the flower color will not be as bright.

Hibiscus ‘Queen of Dreams’

Hibiscus ‘Queen of Dreams’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Another impressive hybrid is Hibiscus ‘Queen of Dreams.’ The 7-8” flowers boast an array of colors in shades of yellow, orange, rose and lavender. The petals lay on top of one another in a way that make them look formal, like a crepe paper formed flower. For the fancy hibiscus lover, this one is sure to delight you.

Hibiscus ‘Midnight Tryst’

Hibiscus ‘Midnight Tryst’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

When it comes to coloring, Hibiscus ‘Midnight Tryst’ is unique with its contrasting color combination. A bright pink starburst heart radiates through rich purple and gray tones, into the smooth, bright pink petal edges. To keep these impressive colors bright, make sure full sun and fertilizer is part of its regime. By the second day of blooming, the flower color fades a bit, but there is usually another flower bud right behind it waiting to open.

Hibiscus ‘Imperial Dragon’

Hibiscus ‘Imperial Dragon’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

My final pick for knock-your-socks off color is Hibiscus ‘Imperial Dragon.’ I plant hibiscus in my summer garden and ‘Imperial Dragon’ is my showpiece. Its bold floral colors of rich peachy-orange leading into the vibrant purple heart radiate a sense of awe for all who pass by. The size of the blooms, the frilly petal edges and its outstanding coloring make this a must have for any hibiscus collector.

We hope you get a chance to experience the joy of growing tropical hibiscus. The American Hibiscus Society was formed in 1950, and they have spent decades on the promotion and development of hundreds of new hybrids. We have chosen these spectacular varieties to give you an overview of these exotic beauties. And before you go, please be sure to request your free Logee’s catalog. You can learn more about the tropical hibiscus mentioned in this article below:

• Hibiscus ‘The Path’
• Hibiscus ‘Voodoo Queen’
• Hibiscus ‘Queen of Dreams’
• Hibiscus ‘Midnight Tryst’
• Hibiscus ‘Imperial Dragon’
• See all of our Tropical Hibiscus here

The post Outrageous Color In Five Tropical Hibiscus appeared first on Logee's.