| Disclaimer:
Pictures of containerized plant material were taken on-site
at our nursery and should be used as a guide only. Actual
size and quality may vary (up or down) for different reasons.
A.W. Kelley's Gardens Inc. makes no guarantees, expressed
or implied that plant material on the premises will be exactly
like the pictures or descriptions in this website. |
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ABBREVIATION KEY
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Denotes native
BN:
Botanical name
TH:
Typical height
RG:
Rate of growth
ST:
Salt tolerance
DT:
Drought tolerance
FS:
Flowering season
ZN:
Zone (refer to zone map)
AS:
Available sizes
CH:
Characteristics
Landscape Photos:
Links to pictures in the landscape |
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Agapanthus
BN: Agapanthus Africalus TH: 2.5 ft. RG:
slow ST: low DT: medium
FS: spring and summer ZN:
8 thru 11 AS: #1 CH: Also
called African Lily or Lily of the Nile, this true lily is
native to Africa. Is a popular, clumping/spreading plant that
has shiny, dark green, strap like leaves. Spectacular white
and blue blooms 6 to 12 in. across, sit atop stems well above
the height of the foliage. Likes full sun but will handle
some afternoon shading. Is moderately tolerant of frost.
Landscape
Photo Landscape
Photo 2
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Blue Daze
BN: Evolvulus
Glomeratus TH: 6 in. RG:
medium ST: medium DT: Low
FS: year round ZN: 10b-11
AS: #1 CH: This low growing
ground cover has alluring, powder blue blooms and small leaves
with a velvety silver cast. New daily flowers last only one
day, opening in the morning and closing for the night. This
prolific bloomer likes a sunny area and regular watering to
promote its year round show of color. Tender to temperatures
below 36 degrees.
Landscape
Photo Landscape
Photo 2
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Coral Creeper
BN:
Baleria Repens TH: 18 in. RG:
fast ST: high DT: high FS:
summer thru fall ZN: 10a thru 11 AS:
#1 CH: An evergreen ground cover/small shrub
with rounded, soft, glossy leaves. Have delightful salmon
colored flowers and blooms in late summer through fall. Grows
to about 2 ft. tall with a spread of 3 ft. If supported by
a trellis this unique plant can grow to a height of 6 ft.
Stems can root along the ground allowing coverage of a large
area. This plant prefers filtered light and not too much water.
Hardy to about 28 degrees.
Landscape
Photo
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Crown of Thorns
BN: Euphorbia Milii TH:
2 to 5 ft. RG: slow ST:
high DT: high FS: year
round ZN: 9b thru 11 AS:
#1 #3 CH: Originally from Madagascar this
semi-succulent got its name in biblical times. Supposedly
this plant was used to make the thorny crown for Jesus at
the Crucifixion. Red is the most popular but they come in
other dazzling colors like hot pink and yellow. Some varieties
are lower growing dwarf types and all have thorns. They
bloom profusely all year round and are very drought tolerant.
They prefer full sun but will do o.k. in partial shade.
When pruning, be careful of the milky sap which can irritate
the skin and the rest of the plant is toxic if ingested.
Most varieties are highly salt tolerant and can handle 32 degrees F
but some may show damage in a frost.
Landscape
Photo
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Day Lily
BN: Hemerocallis Spp. TH:
2 ft. RG: medium ST: high
DT: high FS: spring through
fall ZN: 5 thru 10b AS:
#1 CH: Clumping perennial with grass-like
leaves. Splendid orange-yellow blooms that proliferate from
summer through fall. Flowers rotate to face the sun and
equator so positioning in the planting site is important.
Although many colors exist, we typically just stock the
Aztec Gold since it is the best variety for South Florida.
Very cold hardy.
Landscape
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*Dune Sunflower
BN: Helianthus Debilis TH:
2 ft. RG: medium ST: high
DT: medium FS: year round
ZN: 8 thru 10b AS: #1
CH: An exquisite ground cover that loves
sandy soil and full sun. Highly salt tolerant. Blooms resemble
a miniature sunflower with bright yellow petals and a contrasting
brown center. All year long blooming attracts butterflies.
Cold hardy all the way up to North Florida.
Landscape
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Fern, Artillery
BN:
Pilea Microphylla TH: 12 in. RG:
medium ST: low DT: medium
FS: n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS:
#1 CH: An herbaceous perennial with delicate,
lacy, light green, fern looking leaves. This tender stemmed
plant is not a true fern but one of over 600 in this huge
family of shade loving, succulent herbs and shrubs. Prefers
filtered light and should not be overwatered. Sensitive to
temperatures below 50 degrees.
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Fern, Foxtail
BN: Asparagus Desiflorus ‘Meyeri' TH:
20 in. RG: fast ST: medium
DT: medium FS: spring and
fall ZN: 9a thru 11 AS:
#1 CH: These are not true ferns since they
produce seeds and not spores. Have pleasing, feathery tufts
that come to a point and resemble the shape and texture of
a “foxtail”. Off-white blooms in summer produce bright red
seeds. Multiplies by underground tubers. Is related to asparagus
but is not edible. Tolerates some frost and temperatures in
the upper 20's and will recover from damage if not too severe.
Landscape
Photo
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*Fern, Macho
BN:
Nephrolepsis Biserrata TH: 2 to 3 ft. RG:
medium ST: low DT: low FS:
n/a ZN: 10b-11 AS: #1 CH:
Named Macho Fern for its large leaves and rapid growth habit.
A popular, native fern that can handle wet feet and likes
partial shade. Spreads quickly by underground rhizomes. Most
ferns produce visible spores (a type of reproductive seed)
on the underside of the leaf which might be mistaken as a
pest. This plant can reach an overall height of 4 ft. and
a spread of 3 ft. so allow plenty of room in the planting
site. Most ferns are tropical and don't like temperatures
below 30 degrees. However they are usually planted under a tree canopy
which provides necessary shade and some buffering from the
cold.
Landscape Photo |
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*Fern, Sword
BN:
Nephrolepsis Cordifolis or Obliterata TH:
14 to 20 in. RG: fast ST:
low DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
9a thru 11 AS: #1 CH: Apparently
there is confusion with the actual botanical name! The common
name is ‘Kimberly Queen' Sword Fern. Widely used in South
Florida for its more compact growth and tolerance to full
sun. Technically this particular fern is not native since
it has been crossed (hybridized) however it is commonly used
as native and few people know the difference. Does well in
pots and planters but does not weep (droop) like the well
known Boston Fern. Spreads by underground rhizomes like most
other ferns. Prefers a well drained area with an organically
rich soil. Does not like frost or temperatures in the lower
30's.
Landscape
Photo
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Ficus Repens
BN:
Ficus Pumila TH: n/a RG:
fast ST: medium DT: high
FS: n/a ZN: 10a thru 11
AS: #1 CH: Also called Creeping
Fig, this is a very low growing ground cover that can also
climb straight up masonry walls with its attaching aerial
roots. This unique vine-like plant is widely used in Orlando,
Disney World for their classic animal shaped topiaries. Adapts
to many different soil conditions. Does well in partial shade
or full sun. Can freeze at 30 degreesbut will come back.
Landscape Photo
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Firecracker
BN:
Russelia Equisetiformis TH: 3 to 5 ft. RG:
medium ST: high DT: high
FS: year round ZN: 10b-11
AS: #1 #3 CH: This shrub/groundcover
has a unique weeping look and appears to be raining flowers
when year round blooming occurs. Have bracts instead of leaves
which are fine textured and allow bright red flowers to stand
out. Blooms are tubular shaped resembling a “firecracker”.
Prefers full sun to bloom well. Hardy to 32 degreesF.
Landscape
Photo Landscape
Photo 2 |
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Flax Lily
BN: Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata' TH:
18 in. RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
10a thru 11 AS: #1-#3 CH:
Also called Blueberry Flax for its electric blue berries that
are seen at certain times of the year. Leaves are an inch
or so wide with striking bold white stripes on either side
of the leaf. A clumping/spreading ground cover often used
for borders. Fairly drought tolerant once established. Likes
sun or shade and will flourish in wet areas. Very cold hardy.
Landscape
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*Gaillardia
BN: Gaillardia Pulchella TH:
18 in. RG: medium ST:
high DT: high FS: year
round ZN: 3 thru 11 AS:
#1 CH: This plant is very tough and will
thrive in a hot, dry, salty environment. Popular ground
cover used in coastal and island landscapes. Dazzling blooms
are deep orange with yellow tips and resemble a zinnia.
Very cold hardy.
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Grass, Mondo
BN: Ophiopogon Japonicus TH:
6 in. RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
8 thru 10b AS: #1 CH:
Also called Monkey Grass, Snakebeard or Lily Turf, this
low growing ground cover likes partial or full sun and well
drained soil conditions. Is widely used in rock gardens
and for borders. There is also a Dwarf Mondo Grass with
the same characteristics but have smaller leaves and a slower
growth rate. Both are cold hardy to South Florida.
Landscape Photo |
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Iris, African
BN: Dietes Vegeta TH:
2 feet RG: medium ST:
low DT: medium FS: year
round ZN: 9 thru 10b AS:
#1 CH: This plant resembles a lily with
leaves that are pointed and slender. Have appealing creamy
white blooms with gold markings and a lavender center. Plants
have daily color in spring and summer due to their profuse
blooming. Plant reaches an overall height of about 2 ft.
Not bothered by many pests and cold hardy to South Florida.
We also carry a yellow flowering Iris; Dietes Bicolor with
similar characteristics but it has a narrower leaf.
Landscape
Photo Yellow
Iris
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Iris, Yellow Walking
BN: Neomarica Spp. TH:
3 feet RG: medium ST:
low DT: low FS: spring
thru fall ZN: 10b-11 AS:
#1 CH: Have enticing, fragrant light yellow
blooms with dainty brown speckles in the center. Spreads
(walks) by way of rhizomes and plantlets that develop on
the stems where flowers once emerged. The weight of the
growing plantlets pushes the stem to the ground allowing
rooting of these new little plants. Can handle temperatures
down to 20 degrees. |
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Jasmine, Asiatic
BN: Trachelospermum Asiaticum TH:
9 in. RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
7b thru 10b AS: #1 CH: Also
called Dwarf Confederate Jasmine. This vine type ground cover
has green glossy leaves about the size of your pinky fingernail.
Slender reddish brown stems form dense tangled mats of foliage
when allowed to spread. When cut, stems exude a milky sap
which can irritate tender areas of the body when contacted.
Very cold hardy to South Florida. Landscape
Photo
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Juniper, Blue Pacific
BN: Juniperus Conferta TH:
12 in. RG: slow ST: high
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
5 thru 10b AS: #1 #3 CH:
Also called Dwarf Shore Juniper. This northern looking ground
cover is in the Cypress family. Have aromatic, needle-like
leaves which are only ½ in. long. Leaves are soft but sharp
tipped with an appealing blue-green and silver cast. This
wonderful ground hugger reaches a maximum height of only 18
in. but can spread to cover a diameter of 10 foot. Likes full
sun, good drainage, and is very drought tolerant once established.
All junipers are cold hardy to South Florida. Another low
growing Juniper is Parsonii Juniper which has similar qualities
but grows taller reaching 2 to 3 ft. at maturity.
Landscape
Photo Parsonii
Juniper Landscape
Parsonii
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Lantana, Gold
BN:
Lantana Camara TH: 2 to 5 feet RG:
medium ST: high DT: high
FS: year round ZN: 9 thru
11 AS: #1 CH: Often referred
to as Yellow Lantana or Gold Mound Lantana. Have numerous
eye-catching yellow-gold flowers with dense, dark green foliage.
Blooms profusely all year round and is an attractant to bees
and butterflies. Very drought tolerant once established. Likes
full sun and moderate watering. All parts of the plant are
toxic if ingested by people or livestock. Can be damaged by
frost but will come back. Many other colors are available
such as; white, confetti and magenta.
Colors
Photo Landacape
Photo Landscape
Photo 2
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Lantana, Purple
BN: Lantana Montevidensis TH:
12 in. RG: medium ST: high
DT: medium FS: year round
ZN: 10b-11 AS: #1 CH:
Also called Trailing or Weeping Lantana. This ground cover
hugs the ground with runners that can reach out up to 5 ft.,
while overall height will reach only one or two feet. Attracts
butterflies and hummingbirds. Very drought tolerant once established.
Prefers full sun and moderate watering. All parts of the plant
are toxic if ingested by people or livestock. Can be damaged
by frost but will come back.
Colors Photo Landscape
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Liriope, Evergreen Giant
BN: Liriope Muscari TH:
12 in. RG: medium ST: medium
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
7 thru 10b AS: #1 CH: A
handsome, evergreen, grass-type ground cover which is often
used as a border in plant beds. Has dark green shiny leaves
and likes well drained sunny areas. Develops small but admirable
violet and white blooms spikes at times that protrude above
the foliage. Very drought tolerant once established. Very
cold hardy.
Landscape
Photo |
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Liriope, Variegated
BN: Opiopogon Jaburan ‘Vittata' TH:
18 in. RG: medium ST: medium
DT: medium FS: n/a ZN:
8 thru 10b AS: #1 CH: Also
called Aztec Grass, this popular ground cover is known for
its striking white variegated leaves. It is a cousin of Mondo
Grass and not in the same family as Evergreen Giant Liriope
as thought by some folks. Prefers a little shade or foliage
will bleach out if subjected to all day, afternoon sun. Is
not as cold hardy as some grasses but does well in South Florida.
It will come back if damaged by frost.
Other
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Oyster Plant (dwarf)
BN: Rhoeo Spathacea TH:
18” RG: fast ST: medium
DT: high FS: n/a ZN:
10a thru 11 AS: #1 CH:
Also called Rheo Discolor. This unusual plant is an herbaceous,
short-stemmed perennial that multiplies and spreads quickly.
Have pleasing looks with pointed leaves which are green
on the top side and rich purple underneath. Have high drought
tolerance once established. This ground cover should not
be overwatered to help prevent bacteria and fungus problems
which can occur. Leaves are toxic if ingested. Sensitive
to frost and temperatures below 34 degrees. There are two other
popular varieties with similar characteristics; Tricolor
have multicolored/variegated leaves and Giant Oyster Plant
have leaves twice the size.
Landscape
Photo Tricolor
Giant
Oyster |
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Pentas
BN:
Pentas Lanceolata TH: 18 in. to 4 feet RG:
medium ST: low DT: low FS:
year round ZN: 9 thru 11 AS:
#1 CH: This very popular perennial comes
in a wide array of colors; red, white, lavender and several
shades of pink, to name a few. Creates blooms tirelessly all
year long and is available in regular or dwarf varieties.
This plant prefers regular watering and lots of sun to bloom
well. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Freezes at about
30 degrees.
Landscape Photo |
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Purple Queen
BN:
Setcreasea Pallida TH: 12 in. RG:
fast ST: medium DT: high
FS: year round ZN: 9 thru
11 AS: #1 CH: Herbaceous
ground hugger with striking, deep royal blue leaves. Does
well in sun or shade. Although not a vine its stems are far
reaching to cover a large area. Have delightful, dainty, light
pink flowers throughout the entire year. Highly drought tolerant
once established and should not be overwatered. Can handle
a touch of frost and will recover from freeze damage.
Landscape
Photo |
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Ruellia, Dwarf and Tall
BN: Ruellia Brittoniana TH:
6 in. to 3 ft. RG: medium ST:
medium DT: medium FS: year
round ZN: 9 thru 11 AS:
#1 CH: Also called Mexican Petunia because
of its origin. Dwarf varieties are low growing and spreading
reaching an overall height of only 8 in. This perennial blooms
like crazy most of the year. Popular colors are pink, purple
and white with vibrant and numerous flowers that attract butterflies.
They thrive in partial or full sun but prefer the later to
bloom heavily. Purple and pink are popular colors in the tall
varieties which reach an average overall height of about 3
ft. The tall variety is listed as invasive to South Florida
because of its ability to rapidly spread. Both varieties can
get damage from frost and freeze but will bounce back.
Ruellia
Tall
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*Sea Oats
BN:
Uniola Paniculata TH: 4 feet RG:
medium ST: high DT: high
FS: n/a ZN: 8 thru 11 AS:
#1 CH: Commonly seen growing wild on sand
dunes beside the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This is a protected
plant in Florida and Georgia because of its vital role in
erosion control along coastlines. Mature seed heads are attractive
and commonly used in dried flower arrangements. Very salt
and drought tolerant. Will stand up to frost. |
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Society Garlic
BN: Tulbaghia Violacea TH:
18 in. RG: medium ST:
medium DT: medium FS:
spring through fall ZN: 10a thru 11 AS:
#1 CH: Clumping herbaceous perennial (non-edible)
that resembles the look of chives used in food preparation.
Leaves are about 12 in. long at maturity. This unique ground
cover gets its name from the garlic type smell given off
by the leaves which is said to repel pests. Lovely lilac-pink
blooms have a very sweet fragrance which contrasts the pungent
smell of the leaves. Flowers stand well above the body of
the plant atop 2 ft. stems. Can handle some frost and temperatures
into the 20's.
Landscape Photo
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